Jose Mourinho has played down suggestions he has fallen out with striker Diego Costa.
Costa, 27, was caught on camera throwing his bib in Mourinho’s direction on the bench during Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Spurs on Sunday.
However, the Chelsea boss has moved to cool any rift claims, insisting it is normal for Costa to be upset at being a substitute.
“For me his behaviour is normal. A top player on the bench will not be happy,” Mourinho is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
“If he wants to hurt me it would not be with a bib. I have a good relationship with him.”
“I think Diego is very privileged,” he said. “He is the last player to be on the bench. Everyone has been on the bench - the captain [John] Terry, [Branislav] Ivanovic, [Gary] Cahill, [Cesc] Fabregas, Pedro and the player of the season [Eden] Hazard.
“Diego is privileged to have been kept in the team for all these matches and today we thought our best strategy was to play with this. I am happy with my decision and the players.”
Costa has only managed three league goals in 11 appearances this season, when he had scored 11 goals in as many games in the Premier League this time last year.
For more stats on Diego Costa, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
