Western Sydney Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic has lashed out at Juan Mata’s “cowardly” agent after criticism about a lack of playing time for the former Manchester United and Chelsea star.
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The 36-year-old Spanish World Cup winner Mata joined the A-League side in September but has played only a bit-part so far, including coming on as a substitute in Saturday’s 4-2 derby defeat at Sydney FC.
Afterwards Stajcic addressed recent comments made by Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Mata’s representative in Australia, in which the agent reportedly called the attacking midfielder’s limited minutes “disrespectful”.
“I think he’s got a bit too much oxygen, to be honest,” Stajcic, who is a previous coach of the Australian women’s team, fired back on Saturday.
He added: “I don’t need to talk to agents when their players aren’t playing, to be honest.
“I think his comments were out of order, they were cowardly and cowardly for a number of reasons.
“I’ve only spoken to him two or three times in my life.”
Despite mostly being used off the bench so far for his new team, Stajcic called Mata “an important player” and praised his impact.
“It’s up to him to be able to contribute when he does come on,” added Stajcic. “He had some good actions today, so we want more of those.”
Mata signed a one-year deal with the A-League side after departing Japanese team Vissel Kobe, where he made just one fleeting appearance last season.
Mata won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and was a European champion with his country two years later.
He won the Champions League with Chelsea and the Europa League with the London club and Manchester United.
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