Chelsea

Antonio Conte "not worried" about Diego Costa

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 September 2016

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is "not worried" about Diego Costa's temperament, despite the striker already collecting three yellow cards this season.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has insisted that he is "not worried" about the temperament of Diego Costa, who has been under the spotlight in the opening weeks of the Premier League season.

Costa has scored four times in four league matches for Chelsea this term, but he has already picked up three yellow cards and two more would see the Spanish international face an automatic ban.

Conte has conceded that the striker's "passion" can sometimes get the better of him, but the Italian is confident that the 27-year-old will show his maturity as the season develops.

"Yes, two more yellow cards is a ban but I am not worried about it. Diego is growing in these situations - in the last game he showed great attitude. He is passionate but I want him to put his passion into the football in the right way," Conte told reporters.

"It is difficult to tell your player to be patient because I think he knows he is close to a ban. He is an important player but in our squad there are other players should he get a ban such as Michy Batshuayi."

Chelsea will welcome Liverpool to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Friday night.