JUAN Mata says Chelsea's epic season may have taken it's toll, but that tiredness will be no excuse when Blues come up against Tottenham on Wednesday.
The Blues midfielder, featuring in his 60th game of an epic Chelsea season at Old Trafford on Sunday, says that the 2012-13 campaign has at times felt like three years rolled into one.
Asked what was harder, the physical or mental tiredness, he said: “For me physically. Because mentally you are always focused on the next game.”
Speaking less than an hour after his strike beat Manchester United, he said: “Now I am thinking about Tottenham already! Because we play on Wednesday and we don't have much time to rest. So physically is the hardest thing.”
Wednesday's game will be Blues' 66th of a campaign that will have seen them by May 19 get through two managers and play in eight competitions. For Tottenham, meanwhile, it will be the 52nd run-out.
How will Chelsea overcome that difference in fatigue levels?
“It shouldn't be a problem,” said Mata. “I mean thy are no excuses. 90 minutes is like a final for us against them. We are fighting for the same achievement, so if we win we will be really proud, and we will be closer.
“I'm just trying to rest, and to train, and to get ready for every game. It is true that the Olympic games (where Mata's season started) look like three years ago for me!
“But I am really happy. I am really happy because I have had no injuries. The only thing I want is to play as many games as I can until the end.”
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