Mata calls on United to draw on winning spirit

Manchester United forward Juan Mata believes his team-mates will draw on the club’s traditional winning spirit to get them through this week’s crucial Champions League last-16 tie against Olympiacos.

And the Spaniard insists the players will give everything to forget the crushing 3-0 defeat at home to arch-rivals Liverpool, starting tomorrow when the Greek side arrive at Old Trafford holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg.

Manager David Moyes admitted in the aftermath of a fifth home defeat of the season on Sunday that, from what he had seen in the build up, he had no reason to expect the level of performance he got from his players.

Mata, who is ineligible to face Olympiacos having featured in the competition for Chelsea prior to his January transfer, was in agreement.

“I have to say that our week at the training ground had been good and we were very hopeful ahead of this derby,” he wrote in his weekly online blog. “However, the day of the match everything went bad. It was a tough defeat and we will give everything we have in order to forget about this in the remaining games.

“And there is a very important one around the corner.

“We know the history of this club and its achievements, based on a winning spirit.

That is what we need to beat Olympiacos and get through in the Champions League. If we score in the first few minutes I think we can make it with your help.”

Mata had nothing but praise for United’s home support and the way they reacted to defeat against the Reds.

The 25-year-old admits he was “mad” they were not able to give fans what they deserved.

“There are no words to describe your support in the stadium,” he added.

“In games like yesterday it makes me mad not being able to give you what you deserve.

“I know there is nothing I can say right now but at least I want you to know how I feel.”

Mata believes the experience will make him a better player.

“The storm will pass and the sun will rise again. I have no doubt,” he said.

“Besides, no one said this would be easy but this is football. It gives you fantastic moments but also very hard times you have to cope with, when you have to show pride and professionalism until the end.

“And when all this is gone I’m sure I will be a more mature footballer.”