Chelsea winger Juan Mata insists his team-mates do not fear Premier League leaders Manchester City.
The Blues are eager to keep their title hopes alive with a win and avoid slipping 13 points behind Roberto Mancini's men when the teams meet at Stamford Bridge.
City are unbeaten in league action this season and have dropped points in two of their 14 Premier League outings, against Fulham and Liverpool.
However, former Valencia man Mata knows their winning run will come to an end and he is hoping sooner rather than later.
The 23-year-old respects City, as he does for Barcelona, but insists tackling City holds no fear for Andre Villas-Boas' men.
Respect
"As a player, you have respect for Barcelona but you never have fear," explained Mata.
"So, no, we do not have any fear of City, especially because we're playing at home.
"We do have the ultimate respect for them because they're the league leaders but fear? Not at all."
Mata added: "It is very difficult that they (City) will win every game, as they are doing at the moment.
Hope
"So for us and the other teams, we just have to hope that they stop winning.
"They have a big points difference, but I think it is not impossible.
"If we win against City, we will have more confidence.
"The Premier League does not finish for another six or seven months. Nothing is impossible."
The Blues are eager to keep their title hopes alive with a win and avoid slipping 13 points behind Roberto Mancini's men when the teams meet at Stamford Bridge.
City are unbeaten in league action this season and have dropped points in two of their 14 Premier League outings, against Fulham and Liverpool.
However, former Valencia man Mata knows their winning run will come to an end and he is hoping sooner rather than later.
The 23-year-old respects City, as he does for Barcelona, but insists tackling City holds no fear for Andre Villas-Boas' men.
Respect
"As a player, you have respect for Barcelona but you never have fear," explained Mata.
"So, no, we do not have any fear of City, especially because we're playing at home.
"We do have the ultimate respect for them because they're the league leaders but fear? Not at all."
Mata added: "It is very difficult that they (City) will win every game, as they are doing at the moment.
Hope
"So for us and the other teams, we just have to hope that they stop winning.
"They have a big points difference, but I think it is not impossible.
"If we win against City, we will have more confidence.
"The Premier League does not finish for another six or seven months. Nothing is impossible."
請按此登錄後留言。未成為會員? 立即註冊