Juan Mata prepares for Man Utd match at Liverpool in Spain
Monday 10 October 2016 17:09, UK
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has been recharging his batteries at his family home in Spain ready for the huge derby with Liverpool on Monday Night Football next week.
The 28-year-old was not selected for the Spain squad that drew with Italy and beat Albania in their World Cup qualifiers over the weekend, and returned to his native Asturias on the Spanish north coast instead.
Mata is targeting a return to winning ways for struggling United, who have only won one of their last four Premier League games and drew at home to then-bottom Stoke last time out.
Blogging on his personal website he said: "This time the international break allowed me to spend a few days at home in Asturias; meeting my grandparents, my parents and my sister, uncles and aunts, friends, and charging batteries with Asturias food.
Live Monday Night Football
"I love going back home. I was also able to see a game of Real Oviedo against Rayo Vallecano. Overall, I have had a few fantastic days, but from now on I'm only thinking about training well this week to be at our best in the next game
"This has been a different week due to the international break, but it's now over and we are already focused on the Premier League, where we have one of the biggest games of the year: our visit to Anfield.
"This is a special game for the Manchester United fans and, in general, one of the greatest clashes of the season in European football. I have been lucky to enjoy it in the past and I can assure you that this is a game like no other.
"This time, with both teams in a good moment, I hope we see a spectacular football match. We are really looking forward to show what we are capable of, to play well and be competitive.
"After our last draw, the team wants to play as soon as possible to get the three points, as we did the last two times we played in Anfield in the Premier League, and to confirm that we are on the right track. I really hope so."
