Mourinho: There's no issue with Costa

The Spain international was left on the bench as Chelsea played out a goalless draw with Tottenham on Sunday, but the Portuguese insists the decision was purely tactical

Jose Mourinho insists he does not have an issue with Diego Costa, despite leaving the striker on the bench as Chelsea drew 0-0 with Tottenham on Sunday.

The Spain international has struggled for form thus far this season, scoring just four goals in all competitions, and was omitted from the starting XI to face Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Eden Hazard instead picked to occupy the striker role.

Costa was not seen warming up before kick-off and also threw off a training bib during the game as it became apparent that he would not be introduced.

Mourinho, though, has downplayed any apparent bad blood between himself and the forward, insisting that the decision to leave Costa out was purely tactical.

“Not an issue, not at all,” he told BT Sport when asked about his relationship with the forward. “It was just a decision, and I think we played really well, the dynamic was really good, and Hazard and Oscar appeared always in dangerous positions.

“The game went in the direction we wanted to take, we had a very good period in the first half where we should score, and in the second half we had a couple of chances and one of them is a giant chance. So I’m really happy with my decision.”

When pressed on the reason for Costa warming up in the second-half only to angrily return to his seat on the bench, Mourinho again made light of the issue, insisting that players merely have to prepare psychologically.

“No I don’t like my subs to warm [up],” he said.

“I just want them to be mentally ready to play when I need them, and during the second half when I felt like I could eventually use one of them they went to warm up and he was ready to play.”

Goal.Com