Spanish striker Diego Costa was keen on avoiding a suspension for next week’s high-octane encounter against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United.
Blues manager Antonio Conte has made it clear to Spanish striker Diego Costa that there is space for only one boss at Chelsea.
Diego Costa scored in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over reigning champions Leicester City but Blues boss Conte was surprised when the Spanish striker asked to be substituted.
Had Costa been booked in Saturday’s encounter with the Foxes, the Spanish striker would have been ruled out for Sunday’s high-voltage encounter with Manchester United – a reunion former Blues manager Jose Mourinho.
Conte asserted: “Costa is an important player for us and his passion is important for the team.
“He must transfer this in every single minute of the game.”
“I decided. I always take the responsibility in every situation. It’s always my decision whether or not a player is substituted.”
On the other side, Ranieri defended his move of not handing a start to Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani in Saturday’s game as they are set to face FC Copenhagen in their next Champions League fixture this week.
Ranieri said: “We want to go into the knockout stage of the Champions League. To do this you must have your players fit. I prefer to preserve some players for Tuesday night.”