Antonio Conte did well to quash the unrest surrounding Diego Costa in January.
The pair were involved in a training ground bust-up after the striker had his head turned by interested from the Chinese Super League.
Such is the quality of the Chelsea manager’s man-management that he has almost made it seem like the argument never happened.
The Italian would be unwise to keep the Spain international against his wishes, however, and it still looks likely that he’ll be off in the summer.
As much as Blues fans would love to keep him, they are resigned to him quitting Stamford Bridge.
It’s no surprise really, given his latest comments about potential destinations.
“It’s true that Marseille has a great project and is growing up,” Costa told Telefoot.
“I’m very happy with Chelsea, but in football, everything can happen, and if we have to change, France is a place where I’ve never been to, I never played, so why not.”
“Everyone knows that (PSG) is a respected team in Europe. Monaco also has a great project and great players.”
Ligue 1 isn’t the obvious place for him to go, but if it’s just money he’s interested in, then PSG have more than enough of it.
By moving to the French capital, he would not risk his reputation in the same way as he would by switching to the less-established Far East.
Ideally, he should be showing a little more commitment to Chelsea with two months of the season left, but they are so far ahead at the top of the table that Conte probably doesn’t even care anymore.
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