Chelsea still in Premier League title race - Mata

Manchester United's Juan Mata is not ruling his former
club Chelsea out of the Premier League title race.

Manchester United star Juan Mata feels his former club Chelsea
should still be considered contenders for the Premier League
title.

Jose Mourinho has admitted the champions will struggle to
retain their title after a start to the season that has seen them
pick up just eight points from as many games, the Chelsea
boss insisting a top-four finish has become their priority.

Mata, though, does not think Chelsea should be discounted
from the race to win the trophy when they still have so much
time to recover their form.

"Chelsea are in an unusual situation," the 27-year-old, who
swapped Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford in January 2014, told
Onda Cero.

"It is somewhat circumstantial and I do not think it will go on for
an extended period of time. They do not have a squad that
should have them in that position in the Premier League.

"We have seen the gap of 10 points arrive in two months and I
think Chelsea will come out of that situation quickly. In fact, I do
not rule them out of the title fight."

Mata spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Blues prior to
joining United and said Mourinho, who was in charge for his
final season at the club, is just one of many big characters in
the game today.

The Spain international continued: "He is not the most incredible
character I have ever encountered in football. There are many
characters in football, though perhaps they are not all as well
known.

"Journalists always say in England that he gives them a lot of
work and play, so I guess he is good for journalists."