Trifling Mata irks ‘soft heart’ Jose

Jose Mourinho has claimed he has a “soft heart” and that it “hurts” him to leave Juan Mata out of the Chelsea team, while reiterating he wants to keep the Spanish midfielder.

It is understood the player’s agent met with Mourinho to seek assurances on his client’s future following Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Southampton, when Mata’s angry reaction to being substituted led to renewed speculation about a transfer away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea sources state he has been given those assurances.