Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has insisted that his treatment of Juan Mata is in the best interests of the team.
The Portuguese coach has used the Spaniard sparingly since his return to Stamford Bridge, starting him just 14 times in all competitions this season.
Doubts over the former Valencia midfielder's future in West London continue to arise, with Manchester United being the latest club linked with a move for the Blues' two-time player of the year.
However, Mourinho reiterated that does not want Mata to leave, although he can understand the 25-year-old's frustration at his lack of playing time.
"I try to do my job forgetting I have a soft heart, pretending that I have a hard heart," The Mirror quotes the 50-year-old as saying. "Many times it hurts me, not just with Juan, over the decisions I have to make, but I think to do my job in the best way is to do it thinking the team is more important than any player.
"When I have to make decision I always try to be a cold one, icy, analyse situation and try to make the best decision for the team, maybe not forgetting the player but putting the person secondary. But yes, it hurts me. He's a good kid, he works hard and I know it's not easy situation for him not to be playing every time.
"If he came to me and said he wants to leave, I would say, 'Go to Stamford Bridge and speak with the board.' And while he was on his way there, I'd call the board to say 'Don't let him go!'"
Juventus, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be monitoring the situation.
Michael Penkman
