Manager Andre Villas-Boas has warned Chelsea fans they may have to wait until after the international break to see Juan Mata in action for the club.
Wednesday night saw the Blues complete the signing of World Cup winner Mata, who is expected to add some much-needed creativity to their midfield.
Villas-Boas has revealed the 23-year-old, for whom Chelsea reportedly paid Valencia around £24million, is unlikely to start their Barclays Premier League game against Norwich, although he could well be on the bench.
"This league is very, very specific in terms of intensity, emotionally and culturally," Villas-Boas said. "It doesn't mean he's not threatening the starting XI, but two training sessions is short for a player creating new relationships with the players.
"Friday is a decisive day in terms of the strategic part of our game, so that's when we'll decide."





Comment 1 - 10 of 10
Up AVB - great strategist! I've good to introduce him slowly so he blends in calmly without all the pressure like that on Torres
He should be a sub, watch how the game goes then come on when needed. norwich will be a nice entry for mata
Start Oriol and Lukaku. Get them some minutes!
mata are international player...he know how to manage a relationships with our player...please let mata show their creativity...he can create a goal...if ur luv chelsea,we really luv our club...CHELSEA
cmon avb let mata play
mata is given he number 10 shirt let him play avb
and how about romelu lukaku AVB
The game will determine whether he will be sub in or not
avb should show us love by lettin hom play
avb should show us love by lettin hom play
avb should show us love by lettin hom play
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account