Melbourne Victory’s Determination to Retain Juan Mata
Captain Roderick Miranda has made it clear that Melbourne Victory will go to great lengths to ensure that Juan Mata continues his football journey with the club. Miranda is not only passionate about Mata’s potential but also believes the Spanish star still has a lot to offer, both on and off the pitch.
Miranda emphasized that while Mata is yet to make a final decision on his future, the club is eager to keep him. “First of all, I hope that he keeps playing. Second, I hope it’s with us,” Miranda said. “Because I think he still has something — not to prove, he has nothing to prove to anybody — but he still has something that he can show us.”
Mata, who is 38 years old, played a crucial role this season, scoring five goals and providing 13 assists. His performances were instrumental in several victories, and his impact was evident both on and off the field. However, Mata has indicated that he needs time to consider his next move. “In the end, it’s his decision,” Miranda added. “I know this year was really important for him. He felt really happy with us on the pitch, off the pitch.”
Miranda went as far as to suggest that if given the chance, he would present Mata with a contract and let him choose whatever terms he wants. “If you would ask me, I’ll just put a paper in front of him and say ‘sign’ and put whatever he wants.”
Coach Arthur Diles’ Support for Mata
Coach Arthur Diles also expressed his hope that Mata would continue with the club. “I was hoping we’d give him more game time so he can keep thinking about it. Now he’s going to start thinking about it as of tonight, unfortunately,” Diles said.
Diles acknowledged that there have been no formal discussions with Mata about his future, but he understands the player’s need for time and space. “He knows how we feel, he knows how the club feels, and we know what his intentions are at the moment in terms of giving himself time and space to come up with whatever decision he sees fit.”
Diles also hopes that Mata’s decision is not to retire. “Whether that’s his last game or not, I don’t know. I hope it’s not, not just for our sake as a club, but for his sake because I think he’s still got a lot to offer.”
Diles’ Future with the Club
Diles, who is currently without a contract, remains confident that he is the right person to lead Melbourne Victory forward. Despite reaching last season’s grand final and making the finals this year, the club has yet to secure a championship, which may affect Diles’ future.
“We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks,” Diles said. “You’d have to ask the boss (managing director Caroline Carnegie).”
When asked if he felt he was the man to lead Victory, Diles replied: “I definitely do. I’m really proud of everything I’ve achieved so far. It comes with a lot of hard work, a lot of expectation, a lot of pressure.”
Diles also spoke about the importance of the off-season for personal development and reflection. “The off-season is going to be a good opportunity to do some personal development, some reflection, recharge batteries and make sure I improve as well.”
Miranda’s Support for Diles
Miranda, who is also considering his own future with the club, has thrown his support behind Diles. “Of course. We had glimpses during the season that things can go really well,” he said.
Miranda praised Diles’ record in finals and his potential for growth. “His record in finals has been good. Tonight, we deserved to win. He’s still young, still in his first year-and-a-half, but he has a brilliant future ahead of him.”
