Hiddink happy with Costa

LONDON. — Guus Hiddink insists he would rather have players with Diego Costa’s feisty personality than work with a squad that needed firing up. Costa was involved in a series of spats during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night, with the volatile striker’s temperboiling over after the final whistle at Stamford Bridge when he confronted Albion goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.

The Spain international, last week involved in a training ground row with Chelsea team-mate Oscar, was clearly frustrated as he left the pitch and could be heard striking the inside of the players tunnel as he made his way back to the dressing room.

But Chelsea interim manager Hiddink is satisfied his player did not cross the line during an ill-tempered game despite being booked for a nasty challenge on Craig Gardner early in the second half.

And the Dutchman believes the forward’s approach helps make him a more dangerous player.

“Did he cross the line? I think there was room to spare,” Hiddink said.

“Diego and the defenders were challenging each other. If you look closely they were provoking each other and those flashes were normal.

“I didn’t see anything bad. It was a challenge at high men level.

“We can always repair the tunnel! He is an emotional guy and I like it very much.

“If you have to push the players it is difficult to survive in the Premier League. But every now and then if you have to control them it is even better.

“He is always dangerous in play. He is vertical in his actions and that is very good to see.”

Chelsea twice took the lead, first through Cesar Azpilicueta and then through a Gareth McAuley own-goal with Craig Gardner and James McClean equalising for Albion.

McClean’s goal came four minutes from time and brought the visitors a deserved point.

And Hiddink admitted that the draw dealt a severe blow to Chelsea’s hopes of forcing their way back into contention for a top four finish.

Last season’s champions remain in 14th place, just six points clear of the bottom three and 12 points behind Tottenham in fourth.

And Hiddink admitted they have no margin for error if they are to stage an astonishing turnaround in the second half of the season. — AFP.