Juan Mata has hailed Real Madrid’s appointment of Rafa Benitez as Coach, claiming his countryman “knows how to get the best out of his players”.
The Manchester United forward worked under the 55-year-old at Chelsea in 2012-13, winning the Europa League and being crowned the club’s Player of the Year for a second term, and he reflected on the season in which he felt he played the best football of his career.
“We had [Benitez] at Chelsea and won the Europa League,” he told Marca.
“It was a great season, my best statistically. Benitez knows how to get the best out of his players and makes them perform to the best of their capabilities.
“I’ve always tried to extract something positive from my Coaches, some more than others.
“[Ronald] Koeman gave me the opportunity to play regularly, Benitez was key for me, [Vicente] del Bosque gave me my [Spain] debut, [Andre] Villas-Boas signed me for the Premier League and [David] Moyes showed a lot of faith in me by investing in my signature.
Mata was then quizzed on his United teammate David de Gea, who continues to be heavily linked with Madrid, his €45m price tag and decision to abandon Spain for England four years ago.
“I get asked a lot about him. He’s my friend and I want him to be happy,” he added.
“He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world today. From a personal point of view, I want him on my team.
“If you think [too much about your price tag, it can weigh you down, but I try to wear it with pride and responsibility.
“It’s unusual for a team to spend big on a player mid-season and give them a long-term contract.
“Thanks to the greatness of Spanish football, I could showcase my ability, like many others had done.
“In the past, it was more difficult, but it doesn’t just happen in football. Many have gone to learn another language. I recommend it.”
