Di Matteo reveals Mata burnout fears
Juan Mata is at risk of being burned out after a non-stop summer saw him play for Spain in both the European Championships and the Olympics following a 60+ game season with Chelsea.
Reported in the Guardian, Roberto Di Matteo has admitted there will be a point in the season that the 24-year-old will be given a break so as to not risk injury or exhaustion. He said:
“Mata needs a break because we run the risk of wearing him out, absolutely. He’s OK at the moment but it’s important that you have a rest. We’ll plan it intelligently so that he won’t be missing too much of our season. There’s been dialogue with Spain and there’s been some joy. You need to look after the welfare of the player.”
The Blues has added extensively to their attacking line-up but Mata looks to still be a key piece of the European Champion’s starting eleven after he was selected against Manchester City in last weekends Community Shield loss.
Chelsea won’t want to be without the Spaniard too much after he showed the Premier League just what he is capable of last season. As well as an impressive statistic of scoring on his debut in every competition, the attacking midfielder created the most assists for the club – second in the whole league.
Di Matteo also addressed the new signings as well as where he still may improve, adding: “In certain areas we are a bit light, in the attacking areas, but the two strikers we’ve got are very good. They can score goals and I’m sure they will. And we need the other players to chip in… Mata, Hazard, Oscar, Lampard always scores goals and Ramires.”
The West London side kick off their new campaign against Wigan on Sunday afternoon. They are looking to improve on last season’s poor league form, which saw them finish in their worst position for over ten years.
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