(Reuters) -Western Sydney Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic has labelled Juan Mata's agent "cowardly" after the Spanish World Cup winner's representative criticised his client's lack of playing time since joining the A-League outfit in October.

Western Sydney Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic criticized Juan Mata's agent, Fahid Ben Khalfallah, for terming the lack of playing time for Mata as disrespectful. Stajcic countered by emphasizing the importance of team management over agents' opinions,

Western Sydney Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic has lashed out at Juan Mata's "cowardly" agent after criticism about a lack of playing time for the former Manchester United and Chelsea star.

Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic has launched an extraordinary attack on the agent of marquee recruit Juan Mata amid continued questioning over his use of the Spanish veteran.