Tottenham’s Villas-Boas reveals summer enquiry for Chelsea’s Mata
Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas reveals Spurs made an enquiry about Juan Mata's availability this summer
Andre Villas-Boas has revealed Tottenham Hotspur made an enquiry about Juan Mata’s availability this summer but didn’t pursue their interest.
The 35-year-old brought the Spain international to the Premier League in a £23.5m deal from Valencia during his nine-month spell in charge of Chelsea before the Portuguese coach was sacked in March 2012.
Jose Mourinho’s appointment as Blues boss this June prompted speculation Mata could make a switch to north London and link up with his former manager after Chelsea signed a host of attacking players.
However, the former Los Che man remained at Stamford Bridge while attacking trio Nacer Chadli, Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela were among the seven players brought to White Hart Lane by Villas-Boas in the transfer window.
“We didn’t pursue it [interest in Mata] to be fair,” said Villas-Boas said ahead of Tottenham’s London derby against Chelsea.
“Obviously, when top players become available because of a situation at a club, especially for a player like Juan Mata, you enquire about the situation. It went no further then a simple enquiry.”
When asked if he felt it was a compliment that Chelsea wouldn’t sell to Spurs, Villas-Boas replied: “No.
“I think last year we were fighting for the same objectives at the end [of last season].
“At the beginning, they were fighting for the title, but in the end, they went for Champions League qualification.”
He added: “I think I suppose that’s a sign of evolution by Tottenham Hotspur and our ambition.”
Tottenham are currently second in the Premier League table after securing four wins in their opening five top-flight outings.
