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Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata says he likes Louis van Gaal's honesty -- even if that means sometimes being shouted at when things do not go well. Former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Van Gaal's straight-talking approach has led to confrontations with his players as well as reporters at various stages in his career. However, Mata, whose good form for United this season has led to a recall to the Spain squad, told the "Al Primer Toque" radio show that he enjoys working under the Dutchman. "I like Van Gaal as a coach. I like my coaches to be good people and he is," Mata said. "He is just like you see in the press room. "When he has something bad to tell you, he says it to your face, and when he needs to be friendly, he is. When things go badly he shouts, but when you do something well he gives you a big hug and a kiss." Mata said he was not fully aware of what had happened between Van Gaal and Victor Valdes, who was told he had no future at Old Trafford, but he was sure his fellow Spaniard could return to play at the top level. Sources have told ESPN FC that United are open to cancelling Valdes' contract, although Sevilla, one of the teams reported to be interested in the 33-year-old, this week ruled out a move for the former Barcelona star. "I don't know what has happened between Valdes and Van Gaal," he said. "I stay away from it and support Victor in a difficult moment like this. It is a pity what he is going through, because he is a fantastic goalkeeper. He has the ability to return to competition and show he is a great keeper." Mata was speaking from the Spain camp ahead of the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Luxembourg and Ukraine, where much of the talk has been about perceived negative tactics from Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez costing his side during last Sunday's 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid. The former Valencia star, who won the Europa League under Benitez at Chelsea during the 2012-13 season, said Benitez was a "strategist" and players had to adapt to his understanding of the game. "I had a fantastic personal experience with Rafa. It was the year when I had my best numbers," Mata said. "It was my best year in England. He gave me huge confidence to play and feel important in the team. "I do not consider him a defensive coach -- he is a strategist. He prepares games very well tactically, and as a player you have to know how to manage that. When the game requires it, his teams attack with all they have, and when they have to defend, they do that too. "He understands very well what a game needs in every moment, whether things have gone well or not in recent games." Things went less well for Mata when Jose Mourinho took charge at Chelsea, and he left for United in January 2014. With Mourinho now facing mounting criticism after a poor start to the 2015-16 campaign, the now 27-year-old deflected a question about their relationship by saying the Portuguese at least kept the media busy. "[Mourinho] is not the most incredible character I have met in football," he said. "There are lots of other characters in football, although not as well known. The reporters in England always say he keeps them busy with work. I imagine that is good for them." Chelsea currently have just eight points from eight games, sitting 10 points behind leaders Manchester City in 16th place, but Mata said his former side had the quality to pull themselves back into the title race. "[Chelsea] are going through a surreal situation. It is something that will not last long," he said. "They do not have a squad to be where they are. In the Premier League, we have seen teams make up gaps of 10 points in two months. I believe Chelsea will come out of this situation soon. I would not even discount that they will end up fighting for the title."
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