Diego Costa: I am a bad loser!

The striker admitted that he cannot stand the idea of defeat and attributes his emotions boiling over to always leaving everything on the pitch to avoid that fate

Chelsea striker Diego Costa says he hates to lose and admits he finds it hard to contain his emotions on the pitch if things do not go his way.

The forward – booked three times in the Blues' first four Premier League games - has often been criticised for his attitude on the pitch.

Nevertheless, he feels his occasionally petulant behaviour is all down to his desire to win after

Conte: I don't understand Costa criticism

 The Blues boss believes the Spain international is picked on unfairly and hopes he can channel his anger elsewhere for the good of the English game

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has revealed he does not understand those who choose to criticise striker Diego Costa for his on-field behaviour.

The Spain international has been booked for dissent during both of the Blues's first two Premier League matches of the season, with many believing he should have seen red after further misdemeanors later in both games.

Conte has defended his player, but has called on the former Atletico Madrid forward to stay focused on the match once he steps out onto the field.

"I don't understand that other players or managers or press all say bad (things) about him," he told reporters.

"Diego must be focused on the match. Because for me, the most important thing is the match - it's important to pay attention, because he is an important player and he can score a lot of goals and I want him to put himself in the game and not to think of other situations.

"Because it's not good for him, for me, for Chelsea or the fans. I think for the English league, this is no good.

"Have I spoken to him about it? Yes, I try to speak to all my players – all together and individually and its important to have these relations. But when I speak to them, I keep it between ourselves."

Chelsea 2-1 West Ham: Diego Costa sets Conte era off with a bang

The Spain international's 89th minute winner was a warning to any incoming striker to Stamford Bridge that he considers himself the main man

Antonio Conte may still be keen to add another striker to his Chelsea squad, but Diego Costa sent his manager a message that, whether Romelu Lukaku joins or not, he is ready and willing to lead the line at Stamford Bridge. 

The Spain international scored a last minute winner against London rivals West Ham as Conte took charge of Chelsea for the first time in the Premier League

His strike saved Chelsea from a disappointing draw after James Collins struck an equaliser against the run of play to cancel out Eden Hazard's earlier strike. 

Conte finds himself still chasing two players despite already kicking off the Premier League campaign, with Lukaku his main target to improve their forward line. 

But while it was hardly a vintage performance for the current first-choice centre-forward, he proved he still has the ability to pop up with goals when the Blues most need them. 

Costa's strike went against the run of play for him as he frustrated by missing chances all evening, and he should have been sent off for a late foul on West Ham's goalkeeper Adrian.

He will still have to do more to improve his all-round game, having completed a meagre five passes in the first half. Costa's volatile temperament must also come under control, as he received a booking for dissent under new Premier League rules that will oblige players to keep their thoughts about referees strictly personal. 

Nevertheless, the goal is the confidence boost the 27-year-old needed, especially after a summer of uncertainty with Atletico Madrid looking to sign him - leaving him distracted during Chelsea's pre-season tour. 

Costa was also dropped by Spain for Euro 2016 and was one of many players to suffer poor form under Jose Mourinho, but he has sent a message to Conte that he is still capable of firing the goals required this season.

And if Lukaku does come back to west London, he will certainly have a battle on his hands to take Costa's role at Chelsea.