Chelsea have reportedly told striker Diego Costa to show more respect to boss Antonio Conte after their heated exchange on Saturday.
The Spanish international was seen angrily asking to be substituted during the 3-0 win over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge, with many believing that he either had an injury complaint or was wary of picking up another booking which would have ruled him out of the clash with Manchester United next weekend.
However, as reported by The Mirror, it’s claimed that it was because he was fed up of Conte barking orders at him from the touchline and dared him to replace him if he was so unhappy with his performance.
If true, it’s not what Conte would want from his leading marksman, who despite continuing to lead the Premier League goalscoring charts still manages to get himself involved in controversial moments.
It remains to be seen what the Italian tactician now opts to do in terms of dropping Costa for that encounter with United this weekend, with the report adding that Costa has been warned over his future conduct.
It isn’t the first time that the former Atletico Madrid star has had a difference of opinion with his coach, as he was dropped by Jose Mourinho last season following a similar spat between the pair which saw the Spaniard throw his bib in the direction of the then Chelsea boss after being replaced.
Acts of immaturity will not be tolerated by Conte who prides himself on his passionate encouragement from the sidelines, and this may well now see him replace Costa in the starting line-up if the Spaniard isn’t willing to listen to instructions and take on criticism.
The Mirror add that he was still fuming after the full-time whistle but later calmed down as Conte played down the incident.
Nevertheless, Michy Batshuayi will be eagerly anticipating a decision, as the Belgian international waits for more opportunities at Stamford Bridge following his move from Marseille this past summer.