Mata And Luiz Are Going No Where.. Mourinho Speaks

Juan Mata has been assured he remains central to Jose Mourinho’s plans after talks with the Chelsea manager.
And the Blues will not entertain any offers for central-defender David Luiz this summer amid strong interest from Barcelona.
The Stamford Bridge duo, who have been key figures for the club over the previous two seasons, have seen their futures at the club thrown into doubt since Mourinho’s return.

 

World class: Juan Mata has firmly established himself as one of Chelsea's key players

Both have been heavily linked with moves away from west London, but Mourinho is determined to keep the duo next season.
Mata, who has arguably been Chelsea’s most consistent performer for the last two seasons, has revealed he’s going nowhere.
He said: ‘I was so relaxed about all the speculation about me leaving. I spoke to the club and spoke to the manager who said I was very important to them. So there’s nothing to say about it.
‘It’s always very good to hear you are important to the club. Everyone wants to feel they are important.

 

Targeted: Barcelona hope to sign David Luiz, but Chelsea are determined to keep the defender

‘So I’m very happy. I’m training with the new manager and we want to improve on last season.’
Likewise, Sportsmail understands Luiz remains key to Mourinho’s blueprint. Barca are in hot pursuit of the Brazil international as new manager Tata Martino looks to bolster his defensive options.
Many have questioned whether Luiz’s maverick style will fit into Mourinho’s plans, with the Portuguese known to want discipline from his defenders.
But Mourinho wants to keep Luiz and will reject Barca’s overtures.

 

Competition for places: Andre Schurrle will be among those who will compete with Mata for a starting position

The news of Chelsea’s stance on Luiz will be music to Mata’s ears, as he feels the growing understanding among Chelsea’s current squad will lead to sustain a serious trophy challenge next season.
‘When you are playing more and more with your team-mates, you get more of a connection,’ said Mata.
‘Players like Hazard and Oscar came last season and this summer there is De Bruyne and Schurrle. All we need is the connection.
‘I’m really looking forward to starting the season with him, we’re all really excited. Jose did a great job here a few years ago and I think we can do it again.’ 

 

Second spell: And Jose Mourinho is again expected to guide Chelsea to success

Mata has endured a marathon 12 months of football that has seen him play an entire season with Chelsea, and feature for Spain at Euro 2012, London 2012 and the Confederations Cup earlier this summer.
Mourinho gave Mata a full four weeks off to recuperate, meaning he missed the club’s Far East tour.
But the Spaniard is back in training and has featured in both of Chelsea’s friendlies in the USA, his latest appearance coming in the 2-0 win over AC Milan here in New York during the early hours of Monday morning.

 

Busy man: But Mata had been given some time off by Mourinho

Mata said: ‘I’ve had a long two years? I’ve had a long five or six years! I can’t remember the last time I had four weeks off. It was needed. When you have a season where you played more than 60 games — you have to rest for a month.
‘Every manager is different and has his own kind of work. But in terms of intensity, the training sessions are so high under the new manager. And the plan is to put that level of intensity into the games as well to make us competitive.’