LONDON -- Antonio Conte says he admires Diego Costa's passion but insists he will encourage the Spain international to focus on his primary job of scoring goals for Chelsea this season, as they prepare for their Premier League opener against West Ham.
Costa is hoping to improve on an inconsistent second season at Stamford Bridge that saw him score just four times prior to Jose Mourinho's sacking in December. However, Costa rediscovered his form with 12 goals in all competitions under interim manager Guus Hiddink, who revealed that he had encouraged the fiery striker to "focus on what he is good at."
Atletico Madrid have actively pursued a deal to bring Costa back to Spain this summer, but Chelsea have never wavered in their determination to keep the 27-year-old, who has often courted controversy during his two seasons in England with an abrasive and physical playing style.
Conte, famed for his own combustible touchline manner, admits he can see the similarities between himself and Costa, and says he hopes to forge a similar strength of spirit within the rest of the Chelsea squad this season.
"I like the spirit of Diego because he always shows a great passion and I'm the same," Conte said. "He doesn't want to lose and I like this passion. I want to put this passion into the team.
"I think it's important to have passion for your work, for football, and this passion helps you to overcome difficulty. I like this passion, this commitment, this work for the team. I demand this from him.
"I'm happy that Diego stays here to work with us. We know that he can improve through work, and the most important thing is the players put themselves into this idea. I hope to continue in this way."
Asked whether he has set Costa a target of at least 20 goals this season, a smiling Conte replied: "Why 20 and not 30?
"No, never [set goal targets]. I ask him and all my players for a great attitude and great commitment. Then the goals will be right, I'm sure. It's important that a player when we play plays our football, not his football.
"He is a forward and he knows that in my idea of football, a forward must give always a point of reference for the team. I don't like my forwards to move around the pitch, I like them to stay there, because you are a forward and your commitment is to score the goal, to stay in the right position. You are a forward, not a defender."
Conte also insisted he is not afraid to declare Chelsea's ability to fight for this season's Premier League title.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho claimed on Friday that his rival managers were scared to make bold pledges that their sides can chase the league crown.
But when asked if he feared backing his Chelsea side for silverware in the wake of Mourinho's mind games, Conte replied: "No. I must be honest I think that other things scare me, not to win or lose in football.
"I think that in this league it's very tough, and I think that at the moment six, seven, eight teams can fight to win the title.
"And I'm sure Chelsea is a good team and we must work very hard to be in the six, seven teams that fight for the title.''