21 Jan 2014 11:35:48
Have I missed something? A lot of rumours suggesting mata will not our current system. We haven't changed any system. Did we? We have been playing the same system in which mata excelled for 2 seasons. Can somebody explain what is our new system?

silv3rzz ;)

1.) 21 Jan 2014
I could be wrong, but as far as I know it's our style that has changed, Mourinho likes to play defensive and Mata can't use his full potential if he has to defend too.

2.) 21 Jan 2014
I have been saying this again again, but everybody seems to forget that when ozil played for Madrid under Mou, he seldom used to work defensively. We didnot have a proper defensive mid, who is actually good at defending and is good on the ball. Inorder to balance between attack and defence mou wanted oscar/mata to work defensively, to which mata couldnot adapt. Now we have signed matic, I certainly think Mou will use mata more often. Time will tell

silv3rzz ;)

3.) 21 Jan 2014
Mourinho is playing a high-pressing, counter-attacking game. It requires versatility, stamina, defensive ability and speed for when the play transitions from defence to attack. Mata would be ideal for when we want to control games (from a tempo perspective) however he is probably the least suitable of our 5 attacking midfielders for the style Mourinho is seemingly imposing as our preferred one.