Jump directly to the content
Cost Check

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte reminds Diego Costa who’s boss after striker sensationally demands to be substituted

Spain international Costa was desperate to avoid suspension for next week's clash against Manchester United and former boss Jose Mourinho

ANTONIO CONTE has warned Diego Costa there is only room for ONE boss at Chelsea.

Conte was surprised to see his star striker asked to be substituted despite scoring in the rout of the Premier League champions.

 Diego Costa demanded to be substituted against Leicester
3
Diego Costa demanded to be substituted against LeicesterCredit: Sky Sports


Keep up to date with ALL the Chelsea news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary by clicking HERE


Had he been booked, Costa would have been banned for next Sunday’s reunion with ex-Blues boss Jose Mourinho when Chelsea play Manchester United.

But Conte said: “Costa is an important player for us and his passion is important for the team.

 Diego Costa celebrates his opening goal against Leicester
3
Diego Costa celebrates his opening goal against LeicesterCredit: Reuters

“He must transfer this in every single minute of the game.

“I decided. I always take the responsibility in every situation. It’s always my decision whether or not a player is substituted.”

 

 Antonio Conte says only he will decide when a player is substituted
3
Antonio Conte says only he will decide when a player is substitutedCredit: Getty Images

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri defended his decision to not start star men Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani with the midweek clash against FC Copenhagen in mind.

He said: “We want to go into the knockout stage of the Champions League. To do this you must have your players fit. I prefer to preserve some players for Tuesday night.”

Topics