Is Mata being disrespected with a lack of game time and does he fit Stajcic’s system?
Christian Montegan 
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson [L], Juan Mata [C], and Alen Stajcic [R]. Photo: Poletti/Round Ball Australia
For years now, the Sydney Derby has cemented its status as the biggest fixture in the A-League Men’s competition, providing colour, atmosphere, and an unmatched rivalry on the pitch.
But there is also a rivalry off the pitch regarding the transfer market and luring big-name signings.
Only 23 days after the Sky Blues pulled off the greatest coup in Australian football history in the name of Italian icon Alessandro Del Piero 12 years ago, Shinji Ono was unveiled as the Wanderers’ marquee man.
When we talk about ‘Peak A-League’, its meaning is mostly referred to as a hilarious moment that can only happen in our unique competition. But that era was ‘peak A-League’ because it really was the golden era.
In the off-season just gone, the same sequence occurred. After Sydney FC sensationally signed former Bayern Munich and Juventus winger Douglas Costa, the Wanderers responded by acquiring World Cup, Euro, and Champions League winner Juan Mata 10 days later.
However, while it was expected that it would take time for the former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder to improve his fitness, Mata started on the bench in the side’s 4-1 win over the Newcastle Jets on Friday night, making an 85th-minute cameo.
It must be said, albeit against an unimpressive Jets outfit, the Wanderers looked incredibly threatening.
So, is it just a case of an early blip in the road? Or are we missing the bigger picture?
As expected, it has got many people talking about a potential dilemma that would be on very few bingo cards four rounds in.
The real question that is beginning to come to light is whether Stajcic actually wanted Mata in the first place.
A major issue thus far is that the 36-year-old does not seem to fit into the Wanderers’ system given the recent tactical decisions.
Stajcic opted for a 4-4-2 against the Jets without a creative spark in the attacking midfield role.
The week prior against Adelaide United, two number 10s were chosen in Bozhidar Kraev and hat-trick hero Nicolas Milanovic, who are both more versatile players on and off the ball than Mata at his age, meaning the Spaniard was forced to play as a second striker behind Brandon Borrello which limits his inventiveness.
This is where it gets prickly. The promotional and marketing side of what Mata brings to the table is second to none, but is not giving him regular minutes a sign of disrespect?
Graphics: Jacob Stevens, created with Flourish
Former Melbourne Victory winger Fahid Ben Khalfallah, who was the mastermind in helping push the deal through as Mata’s agent, did not mince his words about the treatment of his player.
“I think it’s just insane… I don’t understand,” a furious Khalfallah told the A League Off Air podcast.
“When you bring someone like him, you have to play him in a system that suits him. I couldn’t believe he only came on for eight minutes or whatever.
“I think it’s disrespectful. I hate it. I really, really hate it because it makes no sense to me.
“I’m so sick, so sick of those coaches saying, ‘Oh yeah, but the intensity (of the A-League)’… OK, we will talk about someone who won the World Cup, won the Euro, Champions League, played in England for 10 years – he’s always been one of the most intelligent and most technical players of his generation.
“He wasn’t quick, he wasn’t the strongest. Despite that, he was one of the best players in the world. And we’re talking about A-League intensity? You must be kidding.”
Of course, it is not shocking that Khalfallah has come out and defended his player, but to question Stajcic in this situation can also be viewed as disrespectful.
Mata only featured once for his previous club, Vissel Kobe, in a 10-minute stint back in September last year before departing the club following the expiry of his contract.
Surely, a club the size of the Wanderers have reached a stage where they aren’t forced to accommodate for their stars at all costs and putting money before performances. You don’t see that occur at Asia’s biggest clubs, so why should Australia be any different?
Why should a player who hadn’t started a professional match in 18 months before signing for the Wanderers, walk straight into the side based on reputation? What would that say about the standard of the league?
Stajcic is on a one-year deal and is already under the microscope as the pressure continues to pile. Would it be fair to suggest that forcing a coach to rip up his plans to fit one player in a particular system is disrespectful? You can certainly make that argument.
There is no doubt that Mata contributes an array of experience and still has the talent to stamp his mark on Australian football.
What the Wanderers must ask themselves is what is more important? Trying to force something that potentially is not there, or back the manager?