Mata: Villas-Boas can replace Mourinho at Real Madrid

Posted Thursday, March 21, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has backed Tottenham coach Andre Villas-Boas to replace Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

The 50-year-old’s future at the capital club has come under intense speculation this season after a below par Liga performance this season, and the Spanish midfielder feels his old boss would be an ideal candidate to replace him.

"I think Villas Boas is a great coach, modern, young, and with experience and qualifications, although his time at Chelsea did not go well at all," he told Movistar. “He and I have a great relationship and I will always be grateful. He's ready to coach any team."

The former Valencia playmaker, however, refused to discuss the possibility of Mourinho returning to Stamford Bridge while Rafael Benitez remains in charge.

"Chelsea have fond memories of Mourinho," he said. "Things went well under him, he won titles and the fans will have a great memory [of him], but today, Mourinho is the coach of Real Madrid and Benitez is Chelsea's coach. We have to be focused on that.

"Of course, Mourinho is one of the best coaches out there, but I do not know what will happen [with his future]. For now, I'm enjoying Benitez and his way of training."