‘Everything’s perfect’ between Conte, Costa

LONDON: Antonio Conte has admitted for the first time to his row with Diego Costa but insisted the striker was back on-message.

Costa was axed from the Chelsea squad for a game at Leicester last month following a bust-up with one of the fitness coaches on the training pitch.

His absence was officially explained as a back injury but, in an interview with Sky Italia, Conte said: “I was clear with him.

“I raised my voice and the player understood. Now everything is perfect.”

Costa’s discontent at the time was fuelled by the prospect of a big-money swoop by Tianjin Quanjian of the Chinese Super League but the Brazil-born Spain striker has patched up his differences and is once again up front for the Premier League leaders.

His long-term future, however, remains unclear.

There had been moves by Chelsea to extend the 28-yearold’s contract before this flashpoint with the coaching staff.

He is the club’s top-scorer with 15 goals this season but has an explosive personality and this was not the first time his behaviour had angered Conte.

They clashed in the United States during the pre-season tour and again during the home game against Leicester in October when Costa signalled to be replaced because he was tired of the constant barrage of instructions from the manager.

Conte remains keen on Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid and the manager is in a strong position when it comes to recruitment after transforming fortunes at Stamford Bridge.

“Looking at last season, when Chelsea had practically the same players, you cannot immediately transform from ugly ducking into a swan,” said the Italian.

“(But) we found our balance. I am not a coach who compromises and with my blind faith in the work we’re doing, and in my ideas.

“I have been able to forge straight ahead without worrying about anyone else.’

Chelsea have won 16 of their last 18 games in the Premier League and are nine points clear at the top with 14 games to play.

But Conte added: “You can’t talk about the title yet, as anything could still happen. Just look at us, Chelsea were struggling at the start and turned the whole season around. We’ve got to stay calm.” – Daily Mail