Friday, 7 November 2014

MOURINHO REVELS IN DIEGO COSTA'S SPAIN SNUB…THE 26-YEAR-OLD WAS NOT INCLUDED IN VICENTE DEL BOSQUE'S SQUAD AND THE CHELSEA MANAGER IS CONFIDENT THAT A PERIOD OF REST WILL BENEFIT THE PLAYER, HIS CLUB AND LA ROJA…


 
Jose Mourinho has expressed his delight that Diego Costa has been omitted from Spain's latest squad, though insists he had nothing to do with the decision.

The Chelsea boss has frequently lamented the Brazilian-born forward's selection when not fully fit, and is thrilled that the former Atletico Madrid striker - who will start against Liverpool on Saturday - is finally being given an extended period of rest.

When asked if Costa would feature at Anfield despite not being picked for Spain, Mourinho told reporters: "Fit to play, yes. Hopefully everything goes well. Yes, he starts the game.

"I’m pleased [that he isn't part of Vicente del Bosque's squad], but I want to make it clear that I did nothing to make that happen.

"As you can see, he was protected in the Champions League match, but, because the result was not good, I couldn’t protect him [throughout the match] and I had to play him for 45 minutes.

"As a consequence of the work we are doing with him, we think he’s ready to start the match tomorrow – but obviously not to join the international team.

"Now he has 15 days to finally rest, work, rest and work, properly. It’s fantastic news for us. We are thankful for the decision the Spanish federation made, but I want to make it clear I did nothing to make it happen."

During the international break, Mourinho intends for Costa to recharge his batteries and is confident both Chelsea, and Spain, will benefit from the striker being fully fit and firing again.

"The plan is, immediately after the match [against Liverpool], to have a period of complete rest," the Portuguese boss continued.

"No training, no treatment, not even a massage on his muscle. Let him rest a few days. And after that to continue the specific work he is doing without having a specific match to play, even on the next weekend.

"It’s very good news for him, it’s very good news for us, and it’s very good news for the national team. It’s better for the Spanish federation to have a good Diego, rather than a so-so Diego."

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