In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte refused to definitively answer the big question of whether Diego Costa will start against Hull City or not. Signs do seem to be pointing towards a glorious yes.
Conte says Diego is an important player for the team. 'I will see on Sunday' is his response when asked if the striker will start. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 20, 2017
A start, a win, and perhaps a goal or two would do wonders for the narrative surrounding this situation, though if you’re Conte, you’re not worried about any of it. Or so you claim.
“Every time he plays for Chelsea he always gives all of himself for this club, for this shirt. I know this. I am sure on Sunday if he starts the game he will put it everything on the pitch for the fans and help us win the game.”
“If he starts the game and is not concentrated the fault is mine. I [would have] made a bad choice because this week I didn’t see the player wasn’t focused or concentrated or was thinking about other situations.”
“Together we have to win against Hull City. It’s important for me, for the players, for the fans to focus on the game and take another three points.”
-Antonio Conte; source: Chelsea FC
Costa has been the highest rated by player by a good margin in our community ratings and has been giving it his all in just about every game so far this season, even back before the 3-4-3 and when not getting on the scoresheet via a goal or an assist. Other than posting positive messages on Instagram, he’s stayed rather quiet throughout his whole developing story; hopefully he’ll get his chance to let his work do the talking on Sunday as well.