Antonio Conte has backed Chelsea striker Diego Costa after the Brazilian posted a video on social media which saw him drinking beer after the Blues' Sunday afternoon win over West Brom at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old sits joint top of the Premier League's scoring charts this season, alongsideArsenal's Alexis Sanchez, and his manager revealed that he has no issues with his star man enjoying a drink - as long as he doesn't go overboard.
Diego Costa has a beer after the West Brom game pic.twitter.com/rG213ubbtx
Quoted byGoalafter his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, the Italian said:[It is good] for rehydration, you can drink Coca-Cola or one beer. It's good for recovery. But one. Not a lot. It's good. After you finish the game, quickly, not an hour after the end.
"I have great professionals in my players. In this case, I don't think a coach or a manager can say: 'Do this' or 'Don't do this'. I have great professionals and I know they will have the better attitude and behaviours in this situation."
Only 2 sides have stopped Costa either scoring or assisting in the #PL this season “ Man Utd & Arsenal #SUNCHE pic.twitter.com/fFkB3oUQOg
He also discussed the club's attitude to their players' holiday celebrations, saying:"I think Christmas is a particular day, and the best thing is to stay with your family.It's important to celebrate Christmas, yes, in the right way. Because, then, the next day we will play against Bournemouth, a tough game. But I think that Christmas is right to celebrate with your family.
No, I must be honest, I'd prefer they stayed at home and celebrated with the family. Rather than have a great party. On the 26th we play the game. We are preparing to celebrate with our families during the week before Christmas, to stay together with our children, with our families.�
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