Chelsea need Costa in every game —Conte

Antonio Conte has defended his decision to not substitute Diego Costa during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Leicester City last Saturday.

The Blues took control of the match straight away when their star striker netted his seventh goal of the season inside 10 minutes, with Eden Hazard and Victor Moses also adding to the score sheet.

However, audiences were puzzled when Costa furiously began gesturing toward his manager to be taken off in the second half.

In his post-match press conference though, Conte claimed that the hitman was too valuable on the pitch to substitute, and alleviated any suggestions of an injury to the 28-year-old.

“If I can, I [always] keep Costa until the end of the game…he’s an important player for us because he has a good personality. He transfers his passion and we need this passion in every moment of the game,” said Conte.

“I know that I risked today because if Costa took another yellow card he misses the next game [against United], but Costa’s passion is important for the team. He must transfer this in every game, in every single minute for the team.”

“I decide the substitutions. I always take responsibility in positive or negative situations. It’s always my decision.

“I think Diego is in good shape. We are working very hard and in the physical aspect we are in good shape.”