CHELSEA STRIKER DIEGO Costa says that he has had to rise above provocation from Premier League defences.
In his first season at Stamford Bridge, the Spain international has already scored 19 top-flight goals, adapting quickly to the physical challenge of the division.
Costa has been involved in his fair share of scrapes with the opposition, his uncompromising style often drawing criticism, but he argues that defenders give as good as they get.
“They’re no less dirty than the defences in Spain but I’m not complaining,” he told Marca of his opponents in England.
“They go in strongly but the referees won’t give it as a foul — in Spain, they would.
“Some try to take me out of the game but, each time, I control myself more and focus on my own game.”
Costa netted his 20th goal of the season in all competitions against Hull City on Sunday but will miss Spain’s games against Ukraine and Netherlands after suffering a hamstring injury at the KC Stadium.
Meanwhile, the striker believes a hectic festive fixture list may have played a role in Chelsea’s disappointing Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.
Jose Mourinho’s men squandered winning positions three times over two legs against the Ligue 1 champions to find themselves eliminated from the tournament at the round-of-16 stage on the away goals rule.
Chelsea’s results and performances have also declined more generally since a shock 5-3 New Year’s Day defeat to Tottenham — the last of four matches in 11 days over the Christmas period — though a first Premier League title in five years is still beckoning.
Mourinho has been criticised this season, however, for refusing to rotate beyond a small core of established first-team starters, while the lack of a winter break in English football has been a running topic of debate for many years.
“Maybe the Christmas exertions have taken their toll,” Costa told Marca. “We played three matches in seven days. It’s no excuse though. I’m sure next season we’ll go further in the Champions League.”
Not a fan of project players but the rules are the rules. Saying that Lowe plays with a smile on his face and attacks players for fun. . One think for sure it will be worth watching.
Think he’ll really liven up our attack! Always looking for work.
@Donal Peoples: ..well for sure heads up rugby is his forte and we need to be adding that to game.
Waiting for the multiple articles from Neil Francis and co. decrying project players. We had it with Bundee, Stander, and to a certain extent Kleyn last year. Heard nothing about JGP so we’ll see about Lowe prior to his debut. I’ve a feeling it will be very quiet.
@Aaron: so you’d like a clown like francis to abuse a player who has declared for Ireland just because he’s a leinster player?
@Chris Mc: I’d like to see if Francis writes negative articles about project players from Leinster joining the Irish set up. It would be inconsistent if he didn’t.
@Chris Mc: I think everyone on here is board of the issue by now but it would be interesting to see how it plays out in mainstream media
He’s done great as an attacker. But his defence is very suspect.
So who’s in the back three with him on the wing?
@Davedental: IF hes on the left wing then for me it would be Earls if fit on the right with Keenan at 15.
@Chris Mc: no Conway on right wing.. Earls 33 now, time to start looking to future !
@Darren Mullins: Conway is nearly 30 so on that basis he’s not the future either, so in that you stick with Stockdale
@Chris Mc: Stockdale is left footed, can’t tackle and can’t catch so definitely not !
@Davedental: Is there anything to be said for Conway at 15?
You’re all gonna whinge and moan but itll be stockdale at 15. Then as soon as he has a good game everyone will pretend they werent calling for his head and always supported him. 14 is either conway or Keenan. I dont see the point in picking Earl’s at his age. Hes good to have in the squad to pass on knowledge but he wont be there come the world cup and isnt that much better than anyone else to justify continued selection.
@Darren Mullins:
Stockdale will be the first name on the team sheet for all the obvious reason.
That is almost a guarantee