Jose Mourinho praised Diego Costa after Chelsea’s Champions League win against Porto but admitted the striker’s confidence is still low.
Costa, restored to the starting line-up by Mourinho, was involved in the all-important opening goal in his team’s 2-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge, where their victory took them through to the knockout stage as group winners.
The rebound ricocheted into the net off defender Ivan Marcano after Costa’s shot had been blocked by keeper Iker Casillas.
Costa, who has struggled for form this season, remained in the thick of the action but was unable to apply the finish when put through on goal in the second half.
However, Blues boss Mourinho declared: “His effort and commitment were great, which was something he didn’t have in the couple of months before.
“The first goal was an own goal but his movement was great. Last season he would have scored immediately, this time he couldn’t.
“For the second one he faced the goalkeeper and you could immediately see the lack of confidence because the first thing he did was not to look at the goal, but to look at the linesman.
“So a lack of confidence, yes clearly, but the attitude is very good and the movement is much better. Goals are coming.
“I took him off, not because I was unhappy with him, but because I wanted to do something different.”
Chelsea, who needed only a point to guarantee their progression from the group, looked comfortable after going ahead and Willian doubled their lead early in the second half.
“The thing I am happy with, apart from the result, is that we only needed one point to qualify but the players accepted the challenge of playing to win,” Mourinho said.
“The first goal was fundamental, because Porto were in a difficult position because they needed to win and we knew we could concede a goal and still qualify.”
This post was last modified on 11/12/2015