Speculation has surrounded the future of Chelsea talisman Diego Costa all summer but, in an indication that he will certainly be staying at Stamford Bridge, Conte called on the striker not to curb his temper this season.
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Costa scored only 16 goals as Chelsea bombed last season, and spent more time either injured or at war with referees than he did terrifying defences.
Conte was asked if he was targeting a 20 goal season for Costa. And that means passion and fire. Hammers fans will be expecting much the same, as higher standards were set during the last campaign with the likes of Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini helping the Hammers play the kind of football their fans demand. It can help you to get over difficulties.
He was particularly impressed with the togetherness that squad showed and will be looking to foster a strong sense of team spirit among his players this term.
“I think that in this league it’s very tough, and I think that at the moment six, seven, eight teams can fight to win the title”, Conte was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. But he can still improve a lot. “I hope to continue in this way”.
“Now he’s a fantastic player – but he can improve a lot”. He knows that in my idea of football, the forward must always be a point of reference for the team. “That will all help Chelsea and I look forward to that”. I ask not just him but all the players, for the right attitude, the right behaviour, the right commitment. You are a forward, not a midfielder or a defender.
“Because for the coach, for the first time arriving it’s important to go inside, into the head of the players to understand and solve the situation”.
Gomis, who has joined French club Marseille on a season-long loan deal from Swansea, played with Ayew at the Swans last season.
“I’m happy that Diego stays here to work with us”. I want to put this passion into the team.
“Then we might have had a chance, on paper, with those great ones”. They then defeated Wolfsberger, 3-0, and nipped Liverpool, 1-0, before nearly winning a high-profile friendly with Real Madrid, 2-3.
They managed to win on their travels at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in the first month, and remained unbeaten against the big clubs throughout the season, but Bilic believes that the Hammers won’t be treated any differently.
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He said: “Last year statistically his goal rate and assist rate and impact rate is 20 goals a season – minimum”.
