Dropped Costa is ‘privileged’, Mourinho insists

Jose Mourinho insisted he had “no issue” with Diego Costa after leaving the striker on the bench against Tottenham.

Blues boss Mourinho dropped the Spain international and played without a recognised striker at White Hart Lane, where his side drew 0-0.

Costa’s frustration was obvious when he tossed his substitute’s bib in his manager’s direction when it became clear he would not be brought on.

But Mourinho was quick to point out that several of his most established players, including Eden Hazard and captain John Terry, have been left out at some stage this season.

He said: “The captain has been on the bench, so has Ivanovic, Cahill the vice-captain of England, Fabregas, Pedro, Oscar, Hazard – who is the player of the season.

“So he is privileged I kept him in the team for all these matches. Today we thought this was the best strategy and we are happy with the decisions. Our performance was good.

“Physically Diego is fine. He is working well every day and his mood is positive. I was not expecting a player on the bench to be jumping and singing because he is not playing.

“Top players are not happy on the bench, so his behaviour is normal.”

Costa’s omission meant Hazard was deployed in the central attacking role and responded with what Mourinho described as the Belgian’s best performance so far this season.

“He did fantastically well for the team. His appetite to be important in the game and enjoy the game was back,” Mourinho added.