Juan Mata eyes further improvement

Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has outlined his intention to improve on his first season at the club.

Mata drew many plaudits for his performances last season, helping the Blues to a shock Champions League crown and also contributing to Spain's successful Euro 2012 campaign as well as the Olympics.

The 24-year-old has been given an extended break following his busy summer and he believes that this could be important.

"The break was important for me because it is a busy season with five trophies," he told the Evening Standard.

"It was a busy summer for me with the European Championship and the Olympics but now I feel fit and strong. I want to play because I love to play football.

"My first season here was amazing for me but I want to improve. I can because I am still young and believe I can always get better. I would like to score more goals, create more goals and learn to defend better."

Chelsea's next Premier League match comes against Stoke City on Saturday.