Middlesbrough vs Chelsea: Diego Costa has learned to control himself to be 'an example', lauds Antonio Conte
Costa appears to have got over his discplinary issues to focus on scoring goals and inspiring his teammates, with Chelsea now reaping the benefits
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Your support makes all the difference.Antonio Conte believes that Diego Costa has finally learned to control himself and become “an example” to his Chelsea side.
The Spanish striker became something of a liability in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge due to his irascibility which repeatedly got him into trouble with referees and the authorities.
But now Conte believes Costa has changed and has praised his overall attitude and demeanour after declaring the 28-year-old fit to play at Middlesbrough on Saturday despite missing his country’s matches with Macedonia and England, picked up while playing against Everton.
Costa has scored nine times in Premier League games but his manager believes he brings far more than just goals to the side.
“I think Diego is a very good player,” said the Italian. “It is important for me to see that every game Diego works a lot with the ball and without the ball. He’s an example for all and I want him to continue that way.
“If all players think this way, we’ll be a good team and tough to play again.
“Diego shows emotion but he can control himself. It’s fantastic.
“Diego is improving a lot in a lot of aspects. For me now he’s one of the best strikers in the world.
“He must continue working in this way, with the commitment and work rate. He’s fantastic to see his work rate in games and training games.”
Chelsea are in outstanding form with five straight league wins and there is an air of positivity, especially with Costa’s fitness boost and similarly positive news about Eden Hazard.
“Costa had a bit of an injury and started to train on Wednesday,” confirmed Conte. “His physical condition is good. He can play. Eden only had a tackle, and he recovered very well.
“I am always worried when I see there is a probability that one player is not able to play. You are a bit worried but it's important to play for the national team. So far we were lucky. Not one player came back injured.”
Conte though seemed unnecessarily worried and is wary that such a positive run of results may soon be coming to an end.
“We are working to avoid a loss of momentum,” he said. “We are working to find the right concentration and focus.
“On Sunday we know we'll have a tough game against a strong team who drew with Arsenal and Manchester City.
“I must be honest, there is this possibility, to stop our momentum. But we are working very hard to avoid this.
“In this situation it's important to keep the concentration very high. It's normal that the focus, the concentration, is a bit low in this situation.
“I'm worried, I'm worried to keep this concentration. I'm worried to keep that high intensity and right spirit in training. That's the most important thing. When you win five or six in a row, that's what you think about.”
Meanwhile Conte has dismissed suggestions that Oscar has no future at Stamford Bridge despite not starting a league match since September.
“Oscar's future is Chelsea,” said the Italian. “Chelsea, full stop. For me, Oscar is an important player in the squad. He's in good form.
“It's logical I have to take the starting XI every week, but Oscar is a great player. For me, he stays at Chelsea.
“It's important that this message arrives for all. But Oscar will stay with us because I consider him an important player for Chelsea.”
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