Juan Mata was in the Manchester United starting eleven, which got destroyed in 20 minutes by Arsenal. Since the 3-0 beat down, Mata has been on international duty with Spain, who have now sealed qualification to the Euros this summer.
Mata has taken to his weekly blog (kicca.com/juanmata8) to speak of Spain’s Euro qualification and the challenge that Manchester United face in the coming weeks:
“Hi everyone.”
“Today I’m writing from Kiev, Ukraine’s capital city, where this Monday we finish the Euro 2016 qualifiers.”
“As you know, we have gone through some difficulties but the last few wins gave us the ticket to France, where we will have the chance to defend our back-to-back titles of the last two tournaments.”
“Precisely, Kiev brings good memories to me: the Euro 2012 final. A lot of good moments come to my mind, and not only the one you may be thinking about.”
“I was lucky to participate in the last few minutes of that game and, almost the first time I touched the ball, I scored the last goal of the tournament. Now we are in the same hotel, and the way to the stadium reminded me of those days in June and July 2012.”
“The dressing room is not the same one, though, because we played as the local team in the final against Italy, whereas now we are the visitors against Ukraine. I think our team performed really well in those weeks of 2012 and I hope that we can be again at our best next year in France.”
“We have good footballers in our squad and also that competitive gene that can give us the chance to be fighting with the best teams.”
“My congratulations to the teams that have already qualified, especially to those participating in a European Championship for the first time, such as Iceland or Albania.”
“I’m sure it’s going to be a great tournament. British football will be represented with England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland will fight for their ticket in the play-offs.”
“Once I’m back in Manchester we will have to get ready for a few games that are going to be tough and thrilling.”
“First against Everton, always an intense and complicated match, and next week against CSKA Moscow and Manchester City. October is meant to be a very difficult month and we must be ready for it.”
Juan Mata is expected to start on the right wing against Everton this weekend, which is a must win game for Manchester United.
