PSG boss Laurent Blanc has warned his players to be careful not to provoke striker Diego Costa as they get set to take on Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge. Blanc knows how dangerous Costa can be but he also knows how much the striker loves to stir up trouble and get in the minds of his opponents. He knows that the key to slowing down Costa is to keep him from getting too riled up and looking for a fight.
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Costa was kept relatively quiet as Chelsea FC battled for a draw in the first leg in Paris. He failed to register a shot on goal as the Blues themselves only managed two shots with just one on target. The only shot on target was of course the header scored by Branislav Ivanovic to give Chelsea FC the early lead. That sort of performance simply will not do this time around.
Laurent Blanc on Diego Costa, as quoted by Eurosport:
"“He is someone who loves the contact, loves the duels, and is very suited to the English game. He likes going into a challenge, the contact, and provokes opposition players. That is part of his game. It’s something he needs. He thrives off that.“It’s important not to get caught up in that. I watched the game (League Cup final) against Tottenham and, right from the start, he was looking to do that. So the centre backs playing around him have to be effective in stopping him. He’s got good physicality, is technically good, but he tries to provoke a reaction. Always. Away from home, we have to be as effective as possible in trying to stop him.”"
PSG was the more attacking side in the first leg at home but they were still cautious of leaving themselves vulnerable to counter attacks. This time around PSG will have no such concerns unless they are able to nick a early away goal. The PSG attack is far too potent for Chelsea FC to just sit back and defend and they will need Diego Costa to be at his best. They will need more than just goals from the striker as well.
As Laurent Blanc said, Costa is at his best when he can antagonize opposing defenses with his physicality and toughness. He will need to hold up play to relieve pressure off the defense and use his big body to draw fouls. If he can rile up the defenders and get someone sent off then all the better. Costa is known for toeing the line with referees and he must also be careful not to get an early booking which will force him to tone down his physical play.
The tone of the match will be set early by the referee and the more he “lets them play” the better of a night Diego Costa will have as he can use his strength to bully the defense. Blanc is right to worry about Diego Costa’s physical play just as much as his goals because of quickly the striker can set the tone for a match and light a fire under his teammates.