Antonio Conte has refused to confirm whether he wants Diego Costa to remain at Chelsea.
Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points with a 3-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday evening, which came via goals from Marcos Alonso (two) and Pedro.
However, the victory was overshadowed by the Costa-shaped cloud hanging over Chelsea, following a day of rampant speculation.
On Friday, the Premier League’s top scorer (14 goals) was embroiled in a row with the Chelsea fitness coach and manager over an injury problem. Furthermore, the 28-year-old is widely reported to be pushing for a transfer away from west London.
As such, Costa was dropped from Conte’s squad for the trip to reigning champions Leicester.
In his post-match press conference, the Italian coach was asked no fewer than eight times about the Spain international’s situation, but refused to provide a defensive answer on his future.
Conte said: “If you want to know the truth, on Tuesday during the training session Diego stopped, because he felt a pain his back.
“From that ,moment he didn’t train in the week. For this reason, he wasn’t in the squad. This is the reason, the truth.”
When pushed o answer over Costa’s transfer status, the manager added: “I read a lot of speculation. I can tell that if there are the problems with the player, I’m used to solving the problem in the changing room, not outside. But I repeat – if there are problems.”
Asked specifically if there was an offer from the Chinese Super League, Conte responded: “I don’t know anything about this.
“The club didn’t tell me about this. It can be only speculation. We start our training session on Tuesday. Its important to understand his physical condition, then I will see if restarts to train with us.”
When pushed on whether the former Atletico Madrid star would play for Chelsea again, Conte stated: “Today, I cant be concerned about this. Today, my players showed me a good performance, great spirit.
“It’s very important when you are able to win this kind of tough game against champions. When you win 3-0 against Leicester it means that I cant be concerned about nothing. I must be pleased for my players, for sure I want to continue to work with my players.”
On whether Costa would return to Cobham on Tuesaday, if fit, Conte responded: “I prefer to not reply when the question starts with if. On Tuesday well see what happens. Today its important to talk about the win, about the players who played this game.”
As the new Blues boss became slightly more frustrated, though far less visibly than rival managers such as Pep Guardiola, he was handed a yes or no question: Will Costa play for Chelsea again? “Why not?”
Following a brief focus on the display of his team, Conte was then pushed on whether he wants the Brazilian-born forward in his team again: “I think that we are talking about this topic for five minutes.
“It’s a lack of respect for the other players. I don’t like to answer these type of questions, if, if, if. We must enjoy this victory.”
Finally, the ex-Juventus coach delivered this update on Costa’s injury status: “I don’t know [how long he will be sidelined for].
“It’s always very difficult, I don’t have his pain. It’s important to understand when he recovers. Well see next week.”
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