Chelsea: Costa return shows team spirit; Conte praised; Cole discusses title race

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Antonio Conte has been discussing the scoring return of Diego Costa and suggested that it shows the incredible team spirit that exists at Stamford Bridge, as per quotes in The Guardian. There had been plenty of rumours about the Spanish international and a possible move to China, but they appear to have been resolved. Costa worked hard in training and convinced his manager that he deserved to start at the weekend against Hull City. He then repaid the faith with the opening goal of the match.

“It was important Diego played a good game, and I hope with this game to finish the speculation about him, about me and him, about Chelsea”

“We showed that we are a team with a great unity, and I think this is the real value that helps us stay top of the table.”

Last season, Chelsea were criticised for the poisonous atmosphere that existed in the dressing room, especially at the beginning of the season under Jose Mourinho. The players downed tools and a disappointing mid-table finish was the result, despite Chelsea having one of the most talented squads in the league. That suggested that there was a lack of professional pride at the club, but Conte has proven to be the perfect remedy to that. The fact that the Costa speculation did little to damage the side speaks volumes for the improvement in team morale.

Antonio Conte dealt with the Costa’s unhappiness in the most impressive way as he removed the Spaniard from the fold and showed that no one player is more important than the team. A story such as this would have caused problems at other clubs in the Premier League, but Conte ensured it didn’t damage his side’s title challenge. Michael Ballack has praised the Italian manager for his management of the situation, as quoted in the Telegraph .

“With toughness, he [Conte] took him out of the squad, which was an understandable situation, if it was the back or not it doesn’t matter. But also the answer’s good from Costa. They are two really high-class professionals dealing with each other.”

The Italian was overlooked at the beginning of the season, with the media preferring to focus on Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. However, Conte is a world class manager, who has experienced a high level of success during his managerial career. He knows what is required both tactically and as a man manager. It had been expected that he would clash with Diego Costa this season, but he has resolved the disagreement quickly and that is the mark of a world class manager.

Former player Joe Cole has been discussing Chelsea’s title ambitions and believes that only an injury to Diego Costa could stop the Blues from regaining their Premier League crown, with quotes published by the Daily Express. The Englishman knows what is required to win the league after playing his part in three Premier League title triumphs while at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are eight points clear at the top of the league and Cole’s thoughts will be shared by many.

“You can’t see anything else than Chelsea winning the league now.

“The only thing that would make me a little bit nervous is if Costa picks up a long-term injury.”

It is obvious to everybody that Chelsea are the overwhelming favourites to win the Premier League, especially as no other team in the top six is showing anything to suggest the Blues have anything to worry about. Diego Costa is important to Chelsea, especially in the style that they play, but they have shown already that they can win matches without the striker.

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