Hughes insists Costa let himself down
DIEGO COSTA sharply divided opinion for his central role in Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Stoke with Blues boss Antonio Conte praising his discipline in the face of provocation, while counterpart Mark Hughes expressed disappointment at the striker’s theatricals.
Costa was booked early o at the Bet 365 Stadium afte falling dramatically during a tussle with Bruno Indi Martins and seemed odds-on to be dismissed for the way he complained as Stoke players appeared to take turns to kick and wind him up.
Hughes, a tough centre-forward in his
playing days, felt Costa was the guilty party by regularly over-reacting to challenges.
‘Clearly, he went down and stayed down when there was nothing wrong. There is no need for that,’ he said.
‘We didn’t target him, absolutely not. It’s more likely he targeted us. I played in his position for many years, he’s a great player but there were things that took away from his performance and image.
‘Maybe that is how he generates his feeling as a player and he needs that element.’
However, Conte, whose side lead the Premier League by 13 points, praised his striker’s discipline in the face of perceived provocation, particularly one late foul from Phil Bardsley that earned the Stoke player the first of his two yellow cards.
‘It is not simple for Diego to receive a yellow card after a few minutes but Diego is showing in all this season to be very disciplined,’ said Conte.
‘He showed me great commitment, he showed me to think for the team but not about himself. I want this for my players.
‘In this type of behaviour he was great, He played a difficult game but I think he always created the dangers for the Stoke defensive line.’
Conte was diplomatic when asked if Costa had been unfairly targeted.
‘It is not easy to prepare for this kind of question,’ he smiled. ‘I think the it is normal to try to make a player angry so they are ready to commit another foul. But the great news is Diego is showing he’s a great player in this aspect.
‘I know in the past he has received two yellow cards and not finished the game. But this season honestly I have to be pleased with him for his behaviour.’