The sale of Chelsea star Juan Mata to ‘direct rivals’, Manchester United for £37 million is one that has evoked disbelief in the hearts of many Chelsea fans.
In his first two years at the club, the Spanish international won Chelsea’s Player of the Season, producing many fine performances to confirm his position as one of the best creative players in the Premier League. His performances in a Chelsea shirt to date have left many Chelsea fans questioning Mourinho’s decision to oust Mata, and make him surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho’s main argument is from a tactical perspective. He claims that Oscar and Mata cannot play together in the no.10 role and therefore, the “harder working” Oscar is more beneficial to the team in that position. Oscar is of course a fine creative talent, but his willingness to regain possession in dangerous parts of opposition territory, is something which Mourinho respects and requires, especially when playing with two ‘out and out’ wingers in the form of Eden Hazard and Willian.
When the “happy one” returned to Chelsea this summer, he made it immediately clear that his team would no longer revolve around one player and that Mata would have to adapt his style to fit into Mourinho’s formation. Whether this decision has proved fruitful or not is debatable. Chelsea are in the hunt for the title and have plenty of strength in depth in midfield, however his decision to sell the Spaniard could become costly if Oscar or Hazard begin to lose form or are injured.
The decision to sell Mata is a calculated risk, but the decision comes as no surprise when we consider Mourinho’s at times frayed relationships with many Spanish players, Xabi Alonso a possible exception. Even greater the risk when you are selling one of your best players to Manchester United, whatever their current circumstance is. The suggestions that this is a clever move from Mourinho to damage Arsenal and Manchester City’s title chances; letting Mata move to United, who are still to play the aforementioned title challengers – I’m sure has some substance, but there’s more to it than that.
This transfer represents a change in direction at Stamford Bridge. It’s a clear sign from Chelsea, that not only are they wary of the quite frankly ridiculous Financial Fair Play rules, which in my opinion are fundamentally flawed and punish small clubs for unaccountable losses which are beyond there control, but they are beginning to be more stringent with their financial affairs.
Chelsea will spend less as a club but they’ll still look to compete on the international transfer market – there’s no chance of that not happening whilst Abramovich remains owner. Chelsea no longer want to have to be mindful of their precarious positioning when it comes to Financial Fair Play, a view shared by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
They’re having to take notice of the rules that will restrict the losses clubs can make each season and although this will seemingly not prohibit their spending, as the arrivals of Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah show, they will at least attempt to balance the books.
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