Diego Simeone defends Chelsea-bound Diego Costa’s World Cup performances, suggesting he was misused

Diego Costa for Spain at the World Cup

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has defended his striker Diego Costa’s performances for Spain at the World Cup, insisting that Vicente del Bosque’s side did not utilise the 25-year-old correctly.

The reigning World Champions suffered a surprise exit from the tournament following defeats to the Netherlands and Chile in their first two games in Group B, which has predictably sparked an inquest into the failings of a team that has dominated the international landscape for so long.

The decision to field Costa as a lone striker was a questionable one, given Spain’s success has been built around a false number nine but Simeone is adamant that the forward was not at fault despite, failing to find the net in either fixture.

“With the result as it is, it would also be very easy to say that Diego Costa didn’t work out. Spain were used to playing at one rhythm and one pace, while Costa offers other characteristics. If you don’t take advantage of Costa’s runs, you isolate him.

“He likes to exploit the spaces, to attack from deep positions and to get on the end of final passes, but Spain’s football focuses more on the collective. Playing that collective game, Spain haven’t performed at their best, nor were they able to take advantage of Costa and the characteristics he brings,” he revealed.

Simeone’s unfaltering faith in the Spaniard is not surprising after the forward fired Atleti to the La Liga title with a total of 27 goals, but is likely to be forced to find a replacement with Costa on the verge of a move to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, the former Argentinian international has backed Spain to return to the pinnacle of due course in the future.

“The reality is that if others prepare to win and compete to win, sometimes they do better than you. And that’s what happened to Spain.

“That’s football. This time they lost, but I’m sure Spain will be back competing again – just like they have done for the last 10 years,” Simeone declared.

Diego Costa has failed to register a shot on target at the World Cup.