Swansea City forward Pablo Hernandez insists that Juan Mata must be kept quiet for the Swans to have any chance in the Capital One Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
------------------------------------------------------------
Predict result and win big with Soccer6
------------------------------------------------------------
The semi-final will be contested at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening, as the Swans look for their first major final in their history.
The former-Valencia attacker is set to return to the Michael Laudrup's side after a spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury and believes stopping the dynamic Mata will help his side book a place at Wembley for the final.
"Mata is a big friend of mine. He was my roommate at Valencia for two years. We used to eat lunch and dinner together too. He's a good player," he said.
"I'm happy that I can play against him and Chelsea but he is a player we need to stop.
"I remember he missed the Premier League game against us because he was injured, but he is back now and is an important player for Chelsea.
"He won't be easy to stop but I have confidence in the Swansea defence."
The 27-year-old also believes that the Swans good record against some of the Premier League giants will stand them in good stead over the two-legged semi-final.
"It's an important game for the club. To play at Wembley in a final would be great," he added. "We have two matches against Chelsea and it will be difficult.
"Chelsea are a good team and the last winners of the Champions League, but I think we can beat them in Swansea.
"We've won at Arsenal and beaten Manchester City and Liverpool at the Liberty Stadium before so we know we can play well.
"If we score in the first match then it is possible to win in the second one."
------------------------------------------------------------
To comment on this story or to simply get in touch email us here.
Or you can post to our Facebook page here.
------------------------------------------------------------
Post A Comment!
Be the first to post a comment on this story