The term “self-blame” rarely applies to Chelsea striker Diego Costa, but in the wake of the many struggles the team have endured this season, he is accepting a rare portion of blame for the team’s position on the table.
In an interview with Soccer AM reported by the Metro, Costa admitted that the team arrived at camp this past summer with a relaxed attitude and did not notice how much stronger other teams were getting.
“I think we are to blame, the players,” Costa said.
“Like I’ve been saying we came back too relaxed and thinking we were going to win it again like last season.
“I think the other teams got stronger and we have to take a further step in terms of quality and effort as a group.”
Chelsea have just 11 points after nine matches and three wins this season. They also have four losses – more than they had all of last season. As a result, Chelsea sit at 12th on the Premier League table ahead of their match against West Ham United this weekend.
The 27-year-old scoring machine deflected blame from embattled manager Jose Mourinho, who has come under fire due to the team’s slow start. Speculation has run rampant as to Mourinho’s future with the Special One going so far as to dare club owner Roman Abramovich to fire him.
Costa and reigning Premier League MVP Eden Hazard have combined for just one goal in the Premier League this year.
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