Antonio Conte: I told you Diego Costa was keeping his goals for title run-in

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Vaishali Bhardwaj25 April 2017

Antonio Conte revealed he was always confident Diego Costa would get back to goalscoring ways in the Premier League after the striker netted twice in the 4-2 win over Southampton on Tuesday night.

Costa came into the game still looking for his 50th goal in the top flight after failing to score in the league since the win over West Ham on March 6.

His drought meant Costa had only scored three times in the Premier League since the turn of the year, a run which coinciding with the player receiving a mammoth offer to move to China.

Conte insisted he always knew the Spain international would find his form and, indeed, his confidence in front of goal again.

"It's important for forwards to score because the goal is your life," the Chelsea manager said.

"I always told him I was pleased with his commitment and work and he always worked for the team. I was always confident for him. I told you I am sure he is keeping his goals for the final part of the season.

"Everyone feels a bit of pressure - the players, the club and also the fans who want to try and win after the past season."

When then questioned about renewed speculation Costa could depart Chelsea this summer, Conte said: "I continue to be focused on this moment and I'm reading a lot of speculation about all of us. It's right to be focused.

"I'm sure they are focused on our target and it's normal and part of this season to have someone to put problems in your team.

"We must be stronger than this speculation."

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