Diego Costa ‘warned by Chelsea over Antonio Conte backlash’

Chelsea have reportedly issued a warning to striker Diego Costa following his verbal backlash towards manager Antonio Conte during the 3-0 win over Leicester City.

The Spain international initially appeared to signal to the bench to be withdrawn knowing that, with the game essentially won, he run the risk of missing next week’s meeting against Manchester United by picking up another yellow card.

However, The Telegraph claims that Costa – who played the full 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge – was instead unhappy with Conte’s constant criticism aimed in his direction from the sidelines.

It is suggested that Chelsea have taken action by warning the 28-year-old about his future behaviour, as they look to avoid a repeat of his falling out with Jose Mourinho this time last year.

Costa was accused of not trying hard enough for the Portuguese, leading to his eventual sacking in December and a backlash from certain sections of the Stamford Bridge crowd.