Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa has once again reopened his long-running feud with Antonio Conte, delivering fresh criticism of the Italian manager and revisiting one of the most turbulent player-manager relationships in recent Premier League history.
Speaking in a recent interview, Costa reflected on his Chelsea exit and his relationship with Conte, suggesting that the former Blues manager was widely disliked by players and difficult to work with. While the remarks were blunt, they were consistent with the tension that marked the end of Costa’s spell at Stamford Bridge.
A feud rooted in Chelsea’s title-winning season
The relationship between Diego Costa and Antonio Conte was always combustible. On the pitch, the partnership delivered results. Chelsea won the 2016–17 Premier League title, with Costa scoring 20 league goals and leading the line with his trademark aggression.
Off the pitch, however, cracks were already forming.
Conte’s demanding style, strict discipline, and direct communication methods did not sit comfortably with Costa, whose personality thrived on autonomy and confrontation. What initially looked like mutual respect gradually turned into mistrust.
The breakdown that changed everything
The feud reached its breaking point in the summer of 2017. Costa was informed via text message that he was no longer part of Conte’s plans at Chelsea — a decision that deeply angered the striker.
Costa publicly criticised the method of communication, describing it as disrespectful, and accused Conte of pushing him out despite his contribution to the title win. The striker was subsequently frozen out of the squad before returning to Atlético Madrid.
That episode became one of the most talked-about managerial fallouts in modern Chelsea history.
Costa’s latest claims and what they suggest
In his latest comments, Costa suggested that Conte struggled to maintain positive relationships with players and implied that the manager’s rigid approach alienated those around him. While Costa stopped short of naming individuals, his claim that “nobody likes him” was clearly aimed at Conte’s interpersonal style rather than his tactical ability.
The tone of Costa’s remarks was not reflective or reconciliatory. Instead, they appeared to reinforce long-held resentment, indicating that time has done little to soften his view of the Italian coach.
Antonio Conte’s management style under scrutiny
Conte’s career has often followed a similar pattern: immediate success followed by internal tension.
At Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Tottenham Hotspur, Conte delivered strong short-term results but frequently clashed with players, boards, or both. His intense demands, public criticism, and confrontational honesty have divided dressing rooms even while producing trophies.
Supporters often praise his winning mentality. Critics argue that his approach is unsustainable over the long term.
Costa’s comments fit into that broader narrative rather than standing alone.
Chelsea’s wider context at the time
Chelsea’s handling of the situation also played a role. While Conte was decisive, the club’s hierarchy failed to manage the fallout smoothly. The lack of mediation allowed the dispute to escalate publicly, damaging both player and manager reputations.
The episode marked the beginning of Chelsea’s post-title instability, with Conte departing the club a year later amid further disagreements with the board.
Why this feud still matters
Costa’s renewed criticism is more than a personal grievance. It highlights a recurring debate in elite football:
Should managers prioritise control or relationships?
🚨🚨🎙️| Diego Costa on Antonio Conte:
"He's a person who doesn't trust others. He thinks he knows everything. You don't enjoy training with him.
He's always angry, always with a long face. Nobody liked him. That's why he didn't last long."
[@obionepodcast] pic.twitter.com/gGZavXZY04
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) January 21, 2026
Conte represents a philosophy built on authority and discipline. Costa represents players who respond better to trust and direct respect. When those philosophies collide, success can quickly turn into conflict.
The fact that this feud is still being discussed years later underlines how deeply it affected both men — and how emblematic it was of Chelsea’s volatile era.
A rivalry that refuses to fade
While both have moved on in their careers, the scars of their Chelsea partnership remain visible. Costa’s comments suggest unresolved frustration, while Conte’s silence has been consistent with his approach — rarely engaging in personal disputes publicly.
In football, success often papers over cracks. At Chelsea, it merely delayed the inevitable.
As featured on Chelseanews.com