BBC pundit and former England footballer Ian Wright has given his say on Jose Mourinho’s decision to leave out striker Diego Costa from the squad against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
Wright felt the decision was completely justified and on BBC Radio 5 Live he stated:
What I love about Mourinho is that he’s said to him he needs to watch. I watched Chelsea’s game and it said to me, (what it said to me) was that he would rather not play him to prove a point and show how much he is needed. That’s what I have taken from him. Because Morinho is trying to show him.
When I’m watching that game and seeing crosses going in the box, seeing things happen, seeing people not being in there. If Diego Costa is watching as (like) Morinho wants him to, he’s making a point to him.
The former Arsenal striker went on to add:
Instead of throwing a bib, he’s a grown man! Understand what the manager is trying to tell you, we need you and you’re not doing it. That’s why you’re sitting here.
He needs to be up there as a focal point holding the ball, because he’s not playing well enough. That’s what the manager’s trying to make the point, I would rather play without a forward than play you!”
The decision to leave Costa out was met with disgust by the Spanish striker who threw his bib at Mourinho after being sent to warm up during the game.
Mourinho’s side have had a lackluster start to the season as the London-based team currently languish in 15th place, just five points above the relegation zone. A goalless draw against 5th placed Tottenham could show signs of an improved league form, but the Portuguese manager will be hoping for three points against relegation battlers AFC Bournemouth to propel his side through December.
What did you make of Diego Costa’s actions against Spurs?
