Antonio Conte loses his mind on the touchline as Chelsea overhaul West Ham for a late 2-1 victory thanks to Diego Costa’s late winner
Sponsored by
ANTONIO CONTE might have gotten his first three points of the season - but he must be hitting the throat lozenges hard this morning.
The Italian yelled, pointed, punched the air and even appeared to defy gravity as he yelled at his Chelsea players on the touchline at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea beat West Ham 2-1.
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was infuriated as Diego Costa went on to score the home side's winner, after hacking down Irons keeper Adrian.
The Spanish striker was chasing a back-pass and appeared to take no prisoners as he lunged in on his compatriot and crunched him in the lower leg with studs showing.
New Chelsea manager Conte moved quickly to defend Costa's actions in victory, insisting his star forward did not deserve to be sent off.
Conte said: "I must be honest Diego tried to put pressure on Adrian, and then before the contact he stopped.
"And then for this reason I think that the referee took the right decision.
Related Articles
"We know Diego is a passionate man, and he puts passion into everything he does.
"And he showed he will run for everything.
"But in this situation I must be honest I think that the referee took the right decision."
Former Juventus boss Conte opted to leave Cesc Fabregas on the bench for Monday's game, then later insisted the Spain midfielder retains a pivotal role at Stamford Bridge.
Fabregas was spotted on holiday recently with his partner Daniella Seamaan in Ibiza.
He added: "Cesc is Chelsea's player, and I'm happy about him, with his attitude and behaviour.
"He must know from before that when we are a great team like Chelsea it can happen that I have to take a decision before the game to choose a starting XI.
"It can happen that Fabregas is not in the starting XI, but it can happen for all the players."