Spanish international, Juam Mata is finding life under Mourinho very difficult although he did start the Capital One Cup game against League 1 Swindon Town and contributed to the goals scored.

He has fallen down massively from being an automatic starter for Chelsea last season to being an unused substitute more often than not this time around. His recent omission from the team have led to intense speculation surrounding his future, as the media were quick to link the play maker with a move away from the Blues in the summer.

Though he did manage to stay put at the club, the rumor mills have refused to stop speculating about his future. He is still heavily tipped to quit Stamford Bridge next summer if not January, if things stay the way they are now.

Mourinho’s decision to drop Chelsea’s double Player of the Year has baffled everyone connected to the club – the fans, the pundits and owner Roman Abramovich. Joining that list is former manager Avram Grant.

Grant was the man who was brought in by Abramovich to replace Mourinho when he first left the club back in 2007. Chelsea reached the UEFA Champions League final under Grant, whose stint at the London outfit was a rather short one.

He spoke to the press and was asked about Mata’s omission, and ESPNFC report that he confessed that the decision was baffling. Grant said, “But, in this position, Chelsea have so many players, so if Oscar, Eden Hazard or Willian are out, people will ask why they are out of the squad or team. A manager needs to take a decision and in this case it’s a tough decision. Jose will know how to manage them well.”

When he was asked if he sees Mata staying at the club for the future, he positively replied, “I think yes. He’s a great player — he’s won games, gave assists and scored goals.”

Do you see any sense in Mourinho’s decision to drop Chelsea’s most influential player last season? And for how long with Mata content himself with a role of a substitute. Is the beginning of the end for him at Chelsea?