Costa fitness boost for Chelsea
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been given a boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool after declaring Spain international striker Diego Costa fit to play.
Costa, 26, was not expected to available after he was left out of Vincente del Bosque’s 23-man Spain squad for matches with Beleraus and Germany.
“He is ready to play but not for the national team. In those days he will rest.” said Mourinho.
“I want to make it clear that I did nothing for that [Costa’s emission] to happen. He has to go in the right direction.”
Mourinho also expressed his surprise of Southampton being second in the table, but insisted they deserve their place high up in the table.
“Everyone that wants to be [is in it]. Southampton is unexpected to be there? Yes. Do they deserve to be there? Yes.
“We have to respect the fantastic work they are doing.”
Mourinho concluded Friday’s press conference by acknowledging the quick run of games his Chelsea side have may produce difficulties.
“It is always a tough time. Match after match. Don’t think about the difficulties. I think the players are mentally ready, if not physically, they can have a bit of a problem.”
“It doesn’t matter if we are in a disadvantaged position. What matters is that we have to play tomorrow at 12.45.”
West Ham duo scoop monthly awards
West Ham United are rewarded after their impressive form throughout October after boss Sam Allardyce was named Barclays Premier League manager and leading scorer Diafra Sakho picked up the award for player of the month.
24-year-old Sakho, a summer signing from Metz, has help turn fortunes around for the east London having scored in each of the three victories last month and has six goals in six starts in total.
Allardyce has been commended for his attacking style of play this season, as the Hammers lie fifth in the Premier League table, level on points with Arsenal. The former Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United boss was heavily criticised by fans for the teams boring style of play – even when the team was winning.
However, the 60-year-old denies the clubs best-ever start to a Premier League season has been down to a change in his style of coaching.
“My philosophy has never changed,” said Allardyce. “How the team plays best and how the best way of playing suits the team individually and collectively, the goal is always to get better and better, and always to play to win more games and be entertaining.
“It’s never changed. So my philosophy is always about staying focused, trying to make the team better.”
Hamilton regards late Ayrton Senna as inspiration to Formula One success
Lewis Hamilton has revealed the extra incentive to win this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix in São Paulo – as it is the home to his childhood hero, and Formula One legend, Ayrton Senna.
Mercedes’ championship-leading driver explained in his exclusive column on BBC Sport that three-time championship winner Senna was the man who influenced his career in racing.
“Senna was the driver who inspired me, and whom I always aspired to be like. His legacy lives on as strong as ever here in Brazil. I very much feel that when I am coming here.”
If the British driver wins his maiden Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, it will leave him just one week away from ending his six-year wait for a second drivers’ title.
“These next races, I can’t approach any differently. I’m not going into these next races thinking ‘I’ve got to finish second’, although of course l should keep that in the back of my mind,” he told Sky Sports News HQ.
Words: Sunveer Sandhu
Picture Credits: Ben Sutherland
