Costa: Throwing bib at Mourinho was a mistake

Chelsea will need to be at the top of their game ahead of their next Premier League clash against table-toppers Leicester City on Monday.

However, the Brazil-born striker has insisted he and Mourinho have a good relationship and denied intentionally launching the bib at his manager, while confirming his commitment to the Premier League champions. “He is a very important player for us but as to whether he is back to his very best, you must ask him because only he knows how he feels”.

Among those with whom he had apparently had a disagreement was Iker Casillas, and the two met again on Wednesday night in the Champions League as Casillas’ new team Porto traveled to London.

Costa has scored just four times in 19 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this season and after the match Mourinho admitted that the Spain global is less assured in front of goal last season while praising his effort. “The start of the season has not been good for me, not in how I have played nor in goals”, he said.

“The thing I am more happy with, apart from the result, is the fact we needed one point to qualify and the players accepted the challenge of playing to win”, Mourinho said. When we were candidates we lost two semifinals with Real Madrid and we lost two semifinals with Chelsea. “Tonight it was great”, said Mourinho.

The Blues secured their last-16 spot through Ivan Marcano’s first-half own goal and Willian’s sweet strike after the break.

Chelsea forward Oscar wants his side to replicate their European performances in the Premier League.

The Champions League draw takes place on the same day, with Blues boss Jose Mourinho believing all their possible opponents – Paris Saint-Germain, PSV Eindhoven, Benfica, Juventus, Roma or Gent – want to play them.

“Every team finishing second want to get us, they want to get Zenit [St Petersburg]”, he concluded.

He was subject to the first managerial vote of confidence of Roman Abramovich’s 12-year ownership on 5 October.

Both sides’ destiny remain in their own hands and both teams will undoubtedly be looking for a result that will see them progress to the knockout stages of Europe’s elite competition. “His lack of confidence?”.