Chelsea's
interim manager Guus Hiddink says he cannot guarantee Diego Costa will go
without another petulant outburst during his time at Stamford Bridge.
However, Hiddink did reveal his sympathy for the Spain international's
plight this season, which has seen him score just four goals in 21
appearances.
Costa was criticised for throwing his substitutes' bib in the direction of
Jose Mourinho during Chelsea's goalless draw with Tottenham at White Hart
Lane on November 29, frustrated at remaining unused.
Hiddink said he once threw the De Graafschap captain's armband at manager
Huib Ruijgrok, but insisted top players prove their value in quickly
recovering their cool, rather than losing it in the first place.
"He's an emotional guy, and there was something with a bib," Hiddink said
ahead of Chelsea's Boxing Day match with Watford at Stamford Bridge.
"When I went back to my home, a long time ago, I was subbed even as captain.
I wasn't used to that.
"That day is fixed in my brain, even though it was just after World War Two!
I was captain of my team and the manager substituted me at half-time.
"I thought I'd performed, but I threw off my armband and threw it at him,
saying 'you make a new captain'.
"It was also an emotional reaction borne out of frustration. Sportsmen are
allowed to show a bit of emotion, but they must know five or 10 seconds
later that they're wrong.
"I think he can focus on what he is able to do. I cannot guarantee there
won't be an outburst from him or others, but they have to focus on what
they're good at.
"What I've experienced in the last few days, and with the last game he
played - he was in control.
"He was focused more on what he is hired for here, which is helping to score
or assist and not going into other things.
"I think he was well controlled when I experienced him now in the last days.
I cannot have any complaints about him."
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