Antonio Conte is ‘confident’ Diego Costa will commit his long-term future to Chelsea but warned the striker to focus on his football rather than on contract talks.
The Italian coach is keen for his side to keep battling on two fronts as they head into their FA Cup clash with Wolves on Saturday as well as remaining focused on securing the Premier League title.
Costa has been a vital part of Chelsea’s success under their new manager, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists in 23 league appearances, although there was plenty of speculation linking him with a move to China in January.
However, recent reports suggested he has now decided to stay and is close to agreeing a new deal, but Conte wants him to push contract negotiations to the back of his mind.
‘I don’t know about this situation because I think now it’s very important to be focused on the present and not to look so far forward,’ he said.
‘For the players and the people who work for Chelsea, it’s important to focus on the present then at the end of the season we will see.
‘Yeah I’m confident. It’s important to keep the great concentration for the present. The present is tomorrow’s game against Wolverhampton.
‘This will be better to face at the end of the season.’
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