Football: Mata calls for Chelsea cup reaction

MIDDLESBROUGH: Juan Mata says Chelsea must use recent disappointments as a source of motivation as they bid to set up an FA Cup quarter-final glamour tie with Manchester United.

The European champions visit second-tier Middlesbrough in the fifth round today, three days after a 2-0 loss at Manchester City that left them seven points adrift of the top two in the Premier League.

The draw for the last eight in the FA Cup dealt Rafael Benitez’s side a possible trip to Old Trafford in the next round and Mata believes that should provide enough motivation to cast recent setbacks into the shade.

Writing on his official blog the Spain midfielder said: “We’re sorry for our fans. The way to overcome the disappointment is winning again, and this coming Wednesday we have an opportunity to move one step forward in the FA Cup.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2013.