MELBOURNE, Australia -- Giovanni Savarese has engaged in discussions with Juan Mata regarding the possibility of another season at AAMI Park. The new head coach considers Mata's playing status as the key issue to resolve during Melbourne Victory's offseason. Savarese is willing to allow the Spanish star to take his time with the decision, confident that Mata will not leave the club in uncertainty.

Mata's Impact and Future Uncertainty

After a challenging year with the Western Sydney Wanderers, Mata made a significant impact in the A-League Men during the 2025-26 season. He was awarded the Johnny Warren Medal as the league's best player, contributing five goals and 13 assists, and played a crucial role in securing victories for his team. However, having signed only a one-year contract, Mata's future remains uncertain following the end of Victory's campaign. In his end-of-season speech, he mentioned the need for time with his family to contemplate his next steps.

Support from the Club

Victory officials have consistently expressed their commitment to giving Mata the space he requires to make his decision without pressure. In his first media interaction since taking over as coach, Savarese reiterated this approach. "I have had conversations with him," he stated. "Of course, the club wants him to come back. It's the desire not only from the club, but from me as well, from the coaching staff. He's a class act in everything, not only as a player, but as a human being." Savarese emphasized the importance of respecting Mata's decision-making process, stating, "We're giving him time because he deserves the time, that's how much we want him to be here."

As Mata's arrival at Victory last year was on September 16, he quickly integrated with his new teammates during a training camp in Western Australia. Now a minority owner of the club since June, Mata will not need to acclimatize again, and with the season set to begin on October 18, he has ample time to decide his future. Savarese remains optimistic, stating, "I'll continue to stay in communication with him, hoping that things are going to work out well."