Chelsea two times player of the year Juan Mata is curious for
some Champions League action as Chelsea look to bounce back from their first
defeat of the season by beating Basle on Wednesday. Mata who is enduring a
difficult start to the season under the special one Mourinho, started just two
games despite being named player of the season for the previous two campaigns.
Indeed the 25-year-old playmaker, who has recently been dropped
from the Spain squad, is yet to finish a game for the Blues this season and has
been an unused substitute on three occasions.
Part of the reason behind Mata's absence has been because of a
niggling thigh injury he suffered at the Confederations Cup, but he is now fit
and ready to help Chelsea begin their quest to win their third European trophy
in as many years.
"I can confirm that I'm feeling good after the muscular
problems I've been suffering since pre-season," the Chelsea midfielder
wrote on his personal blog.
"After one defeat you just want the next match to come as
soon as possible, and probably the Champions League is the best way.
"I really want to live a night like this at Stamford
Bridge. It's a different feeling, even more since we won the title two years
ago.This competition brings great memories to all of us and makes us feel
really excited.
"I'm looking forward to playing at home again and I hope we
win so we can face the next Premier League game with a good taste.
"The next few weeks ahead are very intense: five games in
just 14 days. In order to get ready for them it is very important to get
confidence and to be positive."
Chelsea beat Basle 5-2 on aggregate in the Europa League
semi-finals last season.
Eden Hazard, who started in both legs, admits it would be
unthinkable for a club of Chelsea's stature to lose two games in a row.
"We have another game on Wednesday in the Champions League
and we need to win because Chelsea is a big club and if we lose two games it's
very bad for us," the Belgium winger said on Chelsea's website.
"We need to work in training to help us win that
game."
