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Mata: Chelsea can catch up to Man City

Comment: 0 December 12th, 2011 by: admin

Chelsea’s Juan Mata insists that the Blues hold a favourable chance of catching up to English Premier League leaders Manchester City.

The attacker, who with the rest of the Blues is set to clash with City tonight, said that the competition for top spot in the EPL is an open game that allows any squad with enough power and strength to claim the prime table spot.

This gives all other teams near-equal opportunity to rise to the top, compared to the Primera Division where Barcelona and Real Madrid have maintained overall rule for decades.

‘It is different here,’ Mata said.  ‘There are a lot of clubs in England who are fighting for the title, whereas in Spain it is just Barcelona and Real Madrid.

‘I think it is not impossible for us,’ he continued.  ‘They have a big points difference, but I think it is not impossible.’

Currently in 5^th place, Chelsea will be hosting City for a match that, should the Blues win, would be their second victory in a row against Roberto Mancini’s men.  However, Chelsea’s last win against City came after three straight defeats – two on the road, and one at Stamford Bridge.

‘If we win against City, we will have more confidence,’ Mata explained.  ‘The Premier League does not finish for another six months.  Nothing is impossible.’

Chelsea currently trail City 10 points in the EPL table.  A defeat would possibly banish all hopes for the Blues of winning the league title.  But Mata insists that City’s impressive form would not last for much longer.

‘It is very difficult for them to win every game, as they are doing at the moment,’ said Mata.  ‘So for us and the other teams, we just have to hope that they stop winning.’

Mata continued, explaining that although dominant teams must be given respect, there is no reason to award them with fear.

‘City are playing very well,’ he said, ‘but Barca have some of the best in the world.  As a player, you have respect for Barcelona but you never have fear.  You have to plan for a good game with them and to try to cause them problems.

‘So no, we do not have any fear of City, especially because we’re playing at home, but we do have the ultimate respect for them because they’re the league leaders.’

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