Chelsea coach goes into detail about Mourinho’s plans for Mata

Steve Holland has delivered an intriguing insight into what Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho expects from Juan Mata this season.

Much has been made of Mourinho’s sporadic use of the Spain international since the Portuguese coach took charge at Stamford Bridge in the summer, with the two-time Chelsea player of the year restricted to just two league starts so far.

And Holland, who spoke to the media following Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Swindon in the League Cup third round after Mata played the full 90 minutes, revealed that Mourinho has set out detailed plans for all of his attacking players.

“A lot has been made of the Mata situation because he’s a high-profile player,” Holland said.

“The message from Jose to all our attacking players from day one has been they need to contribute offensively in terms of their production, not just look a good player but to score goals, make chances and be a threat to the opposition goal, but of course they have to contribute out of possession and defend.

“That’s been the challenge not just to Juan but to all our attacking players.

“If you look at his performance tonight, he made Fernando [Torres]’ chance early in the game, he was involved in the goal, so if you take those moments, it’s goal-making and goal-scoring actions, and then in injury time he conceded the final corner of the game supporting Ryan Bertrand in the left-back spot, which is how he has all night.

“That’s been the message from Jose from day one to all our attacking players, not just Juan Mata.

“Jose has made it quite clear what he wants the attacking players to do in all those positions. That message is not just to Juan, it’s to Willian, Kevin, Andre Schurrle, all those players. Tonight we are very pleased with Juan’s contribution, with and without the ball.”