Juan Mata hopes Chelsea can emulate Jose Mourinho's Porto by winning back-to-back European trophies this week. Mourinho led Porto to the UEFA Europa League title in 2003 and the UEFA Champions League crown a year later before moving to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, having won the European Cup in Munich 12 months ago, are seeking to do the reverse with victory over Benfica in Amsterdam on Wednesday night and hold both titles at the same time, albeit for a period of ten days until this year's Champions League winners are confirmed. "We have now the chance to win two European trophies in a row, which is not easy for any club and we will try to do it," Mata said. "It would be very, very nice. After winning the Champions League and FA Cup, it would be really nice and I would be really pleased to win another trophy with Chelsea." Mata's season began as part of Spain's victorious UEFA EURO 2012 squad, before playing in the Olympic Football Tournament. He has featured in more than 60 games for Chelsea, whose 68th and penultimate game of the campaign comes at the Amsterdam ArenA. "It's been a long season in terms of the amount of games, but I think it's good," Mata said. "I'm really happy with the season personally, but it's not finished yet. It can be even better, if we win the title." Mata praised the influence of compatriot Rafael Benitez, the interim boss who is expected to be succeeded by Real Madrid head coach Mourinho this summer. "The manager's trying to rotate the players, we're resting," Mata said. "It's been a pleasure for me. He's a top manager, he's tried his best. If we win the trophy it will be great for him and the team." Source: Fifa.com
GMT 18:45 2018 Wednesday ,10 January
Chinese FA warns clubs over Aubameyang 'bidding war'GMT 19:28 2018 Tuesday ,09 January
Neymar, PSG run riot in French CupGMT 15:08 2018 Sunday ,07 January
Bayern's Heynckes rules out Vidal Chelsea moveGMT 14:59 2018 Sunday ,07 January
Napoli cement top spot as Lazio's Immobile hits fourGMT 16:04 2018 Tuesday ,02 January
Schedulers are against us, Arsenal manager Wenger complainsGMT 15:54 2018 Tuesday ,02 January
Manchester United lift Mourinho, Liverpool leave it lateGMT 19:04 2017 Sunday ,31 December
Lukaku adds to Mourinho's woes as United lose groundGMT 18:58 2017 Sunday ,31 December
Inter, Roma held as Benevento finally win
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor