Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists he has “no problem” with striker Diego Costa after dropping him to the bench at Tottenham on Sunday.
The Brazil-born Spain international was unused during the 0-0 draw and reacted by throwing his substitutes’ bib over his shoulder in the direction of his Portuguese manager in the dying stages.
Mourinho decided to use Kenedy and Ruben Loftus-Cheek off the bench for Willian and Pedro respectively as the Blues picked up a point on their travels to climb up to 15th place.
Post-match the Stamford Bridge chief said Costa’s behaviour was to be expected as tries to find the right formula to kick-start Chelsea’s domestic season.
“If he wants to hurt me, it’s not with a bib. I have a good relationship with him, no problems,” said Mourinho. “I think Diego is very privileged because he was the last one to be (put) on the bench.
“Everybody was on the bench. I kept him in the team for all these matches and today we thought the best strategy to play was this one. We are happy with the decision.
“A top player going on the bench, they are not happy. For me his behaviour was normal. He was ready to play when they went to warm up.”
Chelsea, who are now 5.00 to finish in the top four this season, are next in action at home against struggling Bournemouth on Saturday evening. The Blues are 1.36 to beat the Cherries (8.00) with the draw 4.75.
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