• Premier League

Costa slips straight into Mourinho mould

ESPN staff
July 31, 2014
Diego Costa impressed during Chelsea's pre-season victory against Vitesse Arnhem © Getty Images
Enlarge

Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea have signed a team player in Diego Costa and praised the striker's contribution in their latest pre-season victory.

Costa weighed in with two assists and gave a powerful performance during Chelsea's 3-1 victory against Vitesse Arnhem on Wednesday, winning praise from the manager.

"He's very intelligent the way he presses and he's a team man," Mourinho said. "He had two big chances to score but he prefers not to risk, but played for the team. We can feel he's happy to be with us and we're very happy with it."

Mourinho's managerial style is built around a strong team ethic and he has regularly refused to play up the ability of individualists. Last season, he questioned midfielder Eden Hazard's commitment to the team following Chelsea's Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid.

Similarly, Mourinho launched a scathing attack on his strike force, claiming he possessed a team but no "real" striker as Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku, Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba all struggled for form.

Lukaku has since completed a £28 million move to Everton, after which Mourinho suggested the Belgian lacked the drive to force his way into Chelsea's starting XI.

However, the Chelsea manager has been pleased with the contribution of Costa since the Spaniard's £32m move from Atletico this summer.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices