Chelsea FC hosts AFC Bournemouth in Round 15 of the English Premier League on Saturday, as they look to build on last week’s result.
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“I think I’ll wait, yeah”.
He said: “It’s good for them”.
Asked about next season, the former England skipper added: “I don’t know at the minute”.
Howe pipped Mourinho to the prestigious manager-of-the-year award and received his trophy at the League Managers’ Association ceremony in May.
“But collectively, yes (that is it)”, said Mourinho, when asked about Christmas celebrations.
Although Costa, along with fit-again goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, is expected to be recalled to the starting line-up, Mourinho insists Hazard, last season’s player of the year, can be influential in any position if he repeats the display that earned written praise. His return would relegate Asmir Begovic to the bench. “If he doesn’t play against Bournemouth, he will play against Porto (next Wednesday)”.
Mourinho had hoped to have captain John Terry, Ramires and Radamel Falcao available, but the trio remain out.
Costa, with just three goals to his name this season, has been attracting headlines for the wrong reason as the Blues themselves struggle to kickstart their faltering campaign.
The most pleasing aspect for Jose Mourinho his side’s last match away to rivals Tottenham was the quality of Chelsea’s defending, as they looked much more secure at the back than they had at any other time this term, especially considering the strength of the opposition.
“He got the feedback”.
“(That was) unusual, yes.
“His performance was so impressive he needs that feedback, and to know his efforts were recognised for myself”.
Richard Keys: It was from a very good friend of mine on the island of Ibiza earlier in the year that I got information that Costa had been there partying for two days after an early season fixture. Even written feedback because we analysed his performance in great detail, and I thought it was good for him to get it in a written document with graphics on every aspect. Why is he getting himself in the papers if it’s not to say “I will do what I want to do”?
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Mourinho also had advice for Neville. And the training session was very good for everyone. “Now he must prove he can be a very good manager, which is a completely different job”.
