Jose Mourinho has challenged Juan Mata to regain his spot in the Chelsea side, saying he hopes the Spaniard can prove him wrong ‘on the pitch’.

Mata has been told he is down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge as Mourinho plans to utilise Brazilian playmaker Oscar while remaining faithful to his desired system, which cannot accommodate Mata.

Mata will play in Chelsea’s upcoming midweek League Cup tie at Swindon and Mourinho told reporters after yesterday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Fulham that he wants to see Mata give him a selection issue with his performances when he gets an opportunity on the pitch.

“I hope he tells me on the pitch, ‘’You are wrong, I am the best and I have to play every game’,” Mourinho said.

“I will love that. This is to be professional and my idea is that he is a top kid,” he added.

Mata has been Chelsea player of the year in each of his first two years at the club.