Chelsea’s Juan Mata hopeful of Premier League title challenge

Juan Mata admits he is desperate to add a Premier League winner’s medal to his Chelsea collection next season.

The Spanish playmaker has already tasted Champions League and FA Cup success since moving to Stamford Bridge from Valencia in August 2011 and could still add the Europa League to his haul this season.

The Blues have lacked the consistency needed to mount a Premier League title challenge since Mata arrived in west London, with Rafael Benítez’s men currently third in the table with four games left to play after finishing sixth last term.

But the 25-year-old is convinced Chelsea can be serious contenders next season as long as they are more consistent.

“I really would like to win the Premier League,” said Mata. “After winning the Champions League and the FA Cup I would like to win this amazing trophy. I think it’s a special competition.

“Chelsea have won it three times in the last few years so why not? We have the players; we have a really good squad. We just have to be consistent next season. Obviously it would be amazing for me.”

Benítez is the third manager to take charge of Chelsea since Mata’s arrival following the dismissals of Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Di Matteo.

But Mata, who has made 34 assists and scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, insists that he has relished the challenge of working under different coaches.

“It’s true that since I came there have been three managers, but I’ve really enjoyed my time with all of them,” he continued.

“As a professional you have to train, perform and win, no matter who the manager is. Chelsea is a club that has always won.”

And of Benítez, who is set to leave the club in the summer, he added: “As all the players know, Rafa is a manager who had great seasons in every club that he’s been at and since he’s come he’s just tried to do his best.

“The players and I think he’s a great manager. We are now at the end of the season trying to be in third place and have a chance to win a trophy [the Europa League] so maybe the season in the end will be a good one.”