Melbourne Victory signing Juan Mata has been named on the bench for his new side’s Round 1 clash with Auckland FC on Saturday afternoon.
Mata joined Victory from Western Sydney Wanderers in the off-season but his new life in Melbourne continues a familiar theme to that of the 2024-25 campaign with the 37-year-old Spanish World Cup winner named as a substitute for Round 1.
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Mata will hope to come off the bench and debut for his new side against the Black Knights at AAMI Park. Pre-game, Victory head coach Arthur Diles admitted he was surprised the veteran midfielder had proved himself fit to play in Round 1, having joined the squad late in pre-season.
“He’s like every other player, you don’t sign someone to be a sub that comes on,” Diles told Network 10.
“He came in late in the piece in pre-season so we’ve had to manage him. We’re stoked that he’s been ready for today’s game, to be honest. When he first arrived, I wasn’t sure he’d get there for Round 1 – and he has. Credit to him.
“Today he starts on the bench but like every player we signed, they’re signed to be starting XI players and if and when called upon to start, there’s a job to do. If and when called upon to come off the bench, there’s a job to do also.”
The rematch of last season’s Semi-Final bout kicks off at 7.35pm AEDT; you can catch all the action LIVE on Paramount+ and 10 DRAMA, or follow all the key moments via our match centre.
