Costa’s value at Chelsea greater than goals – Conte

Costa’s value at Chelsea greater than goals – Conte

Antonio Conte insists that Diego Costa remains valuable to Chelsea even when he is not scoring regularly, and says he has no concerns abo... 8 years ago

Antonio Conte insists that Diego Costa remains valuable to Chelsea even when he is not scoring regularly, and says he has no concerns about the Spain international’s performances in recent weeks.
Costa has scored just four goals in 12 appearances for Chelsea since mid-January, when he was dropped by Conte following a training-ground row with a fitness coach over a back injury as well as a lucrative offer from Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian.
This run constitutes a significant slump in contrast to Costa’s scintillating form prior to the turn of the year, when he contributed 14 goals and five assists in 20 appearances to help fire the Blues to the top of the Premier League.
Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City extended Costa’s current barren streak to four matches — during which time he has also received three yellow cards — but Conte is adamant that his striker is playing a key role in Chelsea’s march towards the Premier League title.
“I’m not concerned about this,” Conte said of Costa’s form. “It can happen. For me, the most important thing is he is showing me great commitment and behaviour during the games, and is doing what I want. That’s very important.
“He was also unlucky in a lot of circumstances. But a player like Diego Costa can score in every game, and I’m sure he can do this.
“Goals are very important for the forwards. You know better than me about this. But I think he knows that, for us, he’s an important player if he is scoring or if he isn’t. He must continue with his commitment and then I’m sure he’ll score.”
Asked what qualities Costa brings aside from his goals, Conte replied: “His experience. His character. His personality. That’s very important for me and the team. Also, Diego won in the past and he has good experience.”
Chelsea travel to the south coast to take on Bournemouth on Saturday and the trip will be particularly significant for Nathan Ake, who was recalled to Stamford Bridge by Conte at the beginning of January after impressing on loan at the Vitality Stadium in the first half of the season.
Ake has made just two appearances for Chelsea — both in the FA Cup — since returning, but Conte insists he has no regrets about the decision to recall the 22-year-old defender despite his lack of playing time.
“I think that every single player wants to play every week,” Conte said of Ake. “But I think, also, that this experience is very good for Nathan. He’s working very well. I’m trying, also, to improve him, to improve his football.
“I think the task of a manager is this, to improve your players. For sure, when a player isn’t playing he’s not happy, no. He’s not happy. But to stay at Chelsea, a really great team, is very important. He’s a player from our academy, don’t forget. I think it was right to bring him with us this season.”
Asked if he has spoken to Ake to explain his reasoning for keeping the Dutchman on the fringes, Conte replied: “No, I don’t like to explain my technical choice. If someone wants to ask me something, my door is always open. But I never give explanations about my technical choices.”