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Agence France-Presse

Antonio Conte insisted he will keep any problems in the Chelsea camp ‘in-house’ after dismissing claims of a row with star striker Diego Costa.
Conte saw his Premier League leaders triumph 3-0 at Leicester City without Costa, who was omitted amid reports of an argument with fitness coach Julio Tous and interest from clubs in China.
But the Italian insisted an injury was behind Costa’s absence at the King Power Stadium and claimed any problems with his players will be dealt with within the dressing room.
“I have read a lot of speculation about this topic,” said Conte, who said he will assess Costa’s fitness next week.
“I can tell you if there are problems – and I repeat ‘if’ – with players, I am used to solving them in the changing rooms, not outside, not in press conferences.
“Trust me, what I told you is the truth. If we start to think ‘if an offer arrives, if, if, if ...
“I don’t like to answer these types of questions. If, if. We must enjoy this victory. It wasn’t easy to win against Leicester.

“It’s important to respect our victory and our players after a good performance.
“If you want to know the truth, I’m ready to tell the truth. On Tuesday, during the training session, Diego stopped because he felt a pain in his back.
‘Go to China!’ – Chelsea axe Diego Costa after he is latest linked with big-money move
“From that moment he didn’t train during the week. For this season today he wasn’t available for the starting 11 or the bench. This is the reason, the truth.
“I don’t know anything about this [offer from China]. The club did not inform me about this. That can be only speculation.”
And Conte claimed he will not concern himself with questions about Costa’s future at Stamford Bridge after seeing his side open up a seven-point advantage over second-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
“I can’t be concerned about this because today my players showed me a great performance and great spirit.

“That’s very important. When you are able to win this type of tough game – Leicester were champions last season and this season I think their team has improved – it means that I can’t be concerned about anything.
“I must be pleased to work with these players. For sure I want to continue to work with all my players.”
Conte coped with the loss of Costa by deploying attacking midfielders Willian, Eden Hazard and Pedro as a front three without a recognised striker.
He said: “I think it’s important to have another way of playing, playing without a No.9 is another solution.

“That’s important. We played without a No.9 and won 3-0 but, I repeat, it’s important always to play as a team.
“Sometimes changing your playing style is important during a championship.”
Defending champions Leicester suffered a 10th defeat of their title defence but manager Claudio Ranieri praised his players’ effort despite his side flirting with relegation danger.
He said: “I said from the beginning we have to look over our shoulder.
“We are in the battle for relegation. I said that two or three months ago. But we are in good condition and I’m sure now we can get some good points.
“The mentality is right. This team is used to fighting. Three seasons ago they fought to win the Championship, two season ago they survived a relegation battle and last season they won the title. They are used to fighting.
“I’m very happy with the performance. We tried to do our best.”


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English Premier League

I’ll deal with Costa in-house, says Chelsea boss Conte

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, centre, celebrates towards fans after the English Premier League soccer match between Leicester City and Chelsea at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Chelsea's Marcos Alonso, centre, celebrates scoring his second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Leicester City and Chelsea at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Chelsea's David Luiz celebrates towards fans after Chelsea's Marcos Alonso scored his second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Leicester City and Chelsea at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Pedro celebrates in the arms of Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Chelsea at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on January 14, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. /

‘Go to China!’ – Chelsea axe Diego Costa after he is latest linked with big-money move

Chelsea's Diego Costa with a member of staff before Chelsea’s match against Peterborough last weekend. Photo: Reuters

(FILES) This file photo taken on December 31, 2016 shows Chelsea's Italian head coach Antonio Conte (L) celebrating with Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa on the pitch after their win in the English Premier League football match against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge in London. The seeds for Chelsea's current run of wins were sown during a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in late September, when new manager Antonio Conte switched to his preferred 3-4-3 formation. / AFP PHOTO / Ian KINGTON / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Sport

Football

Striker left out of win over Leicester amid reports of a training-ground bust-up and offer from China


I’ll deal with Costa in-house, says Chelsea boss Conte

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Striker left out of win over Leicester amid reports of a training-ground bust-up and offer from China

Striker left out of win over Leicester amid reports of a training-ground bust-up and offer from China