Juan Mata’s agent has slammed his client’s current club, Western Sydney Wanderers, as the Spaniard struggles for game time in Australia.
The 36-year-old joined the A-League side in September after leaving Japanese team Vissel Kobe, where he made just one appearance.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United star has not been in action as much as he would like since moving to Australia, starting just two of Wanderers’ four A-League games so far this season.
His last two outings saw him subbed off at half-time against Adelaide United and then brought on after 84 minutes against Newcastle Jets.
Wanderers boss Alen Stajcic has suggested Mata is struggling with the intensity of the football in Australia, believing it takes new arrivals be surprise.
‘It’s the intensity of the A-League; I’ve said this many times over, it’s quite deceptive,’ said Stajic.
‘It’s a high-intensity football game, probably one of the most intense leagues around the world.’
Mata’s agent, Fahid Ben Khalfallah, absolutely does not agree and feels that a player who has shone in the Premier League and internationally is more than capable of handling his new surroundings.
‘I think it’s just insane. I don’t understand,’ Khalfallah told the A-League Off Air podcast.
‘When you bring [in] someone like him, you have to play him in a system that suits him. I couldn’t believe he only came on for eight minutes or whatever.
‘I think it’s disrespectful. I hate it. I really, really hate it because it makes no sense to me.
‘And I’m so sick, so sick of those coaches saying, “Oh yeah, but the intensity.” OK we will talk about someone who won the World Cup, won the Euro, Champions League, played in England for 10 years, he’s always been one of the most intelligent and most technical players of his generation.
‘He wasn’t quick, he wasn’t the strongest. So despite that, he was one of the best players in the world. And we’re talking about A-League intensity? You must be kidding.
‘Put horses on the pitch, they will be running – but they can’t kick a ball, and they can’t play. They can’t pass the ball. Seriously, I’m disgusted to hear that kind of stuff.’
Announcing his move in September, Mata wrote on Instagram: ‘Today, a new adventure is starting, and I’m super excited about it! I will keep enjoying this amazing sport by playing not only in a different country… but in a different continent: AUSTRALIA, HERE I GO!
‘I have always been amazed with your country and longed to live there… Now, I will do it in the beautiful city of Sydney. I’m joining @wswanderersfc , the only Australian team to ever win the Asian Champions League, and I cannot wait to arrive and train with the team to prepare for the season ahead.
‘Feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another championship in a different league!’