Juan Mata discusses Spain’s mauling at the hands of Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands side

Spain’s Juan Mata (L)

Juan Mata has spoken about Spain’s opening day 5-1 humiliation at the hands of Netherlands, though insists Spain are not out of the competition just yet and will bounce back after the result.

Spain suffered their heaviest defeat at a World Cup finals tournament since their 6-1 hammering by Brazil in 1950, and Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has suggested he may change his starting line-up around ahead of the next game against Chile.

Mata is one who could be brought into the team after being left on the bench for the duration of Friday’s capitulation and he has insisted that the squad is still very much together and capable of still going on to accomplish things at the tournament.

The emphatic defeat dealt by the side managed by newly appointed Man United boss Louis van Gaal may have put the dampener on morale within the Spanish camp, yet Mata insists La Furia Roja will remain resilient, telling reporters in Brazil, “We aren’t dead yet.

“Losing was a big blow for everyone, but we have to keep the same attitude we have had so we can continue in the same way we have always done.

“We have to keep trusting in this style of play. It has led us to many triumphs before and allows us to control games, so I don’t see a reason why we should play another way.

“I feel prouder than ever to belong to this group, this generation. We have remained united in the good times, but above all in the bad times, and we have always believed in our football.

“I have to say that since I arrived here, this group has felt like a family. I feel like any other player, the relationship between everyone is fundamental to the team.”

Juan Mata created 33 chances in 15 Manchester United appearances, assisting four goals.