Chelsea boss Guus Hiidink was none too pleased with Watford’s tactics, as his side played out a 0-0 draw at Vicarage Road on Wednesday night. Hiidink believes that the Hornets targeted hot headed striker Diego Costa with a series of off the ball digs that pushed the boundaries of the rules.
Costa has a reputation for bouts of temper and Watford’s Paredes appeared to aim a sly dig into Costa’s back during the first half. The Brazilian born striker was booked for retaliating and Hiidink believes this was a prepared tactic on the home side’s part.
“It was very clear, because we were very close. Paredes punched Diego in the back, and then they stumbled,” he said. “This is something they should not do. This is a challenge to try and get Diego sent off. The referee saw it and did not punish his provocation.”
Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores, who managed Costa for a year during a stint at Atletico Madrid, played down the incident, “It was nothing. Contact in the Premier League is normal with this type of player. You will have contact in each contest. I understand Costa, I trained him.
“He wants to challenge every time. What happened was nothing special or different from what happens at all stages of the Premier League every week.” Flores and Costa were seen embracing on the pitch at full-time. When pressed on what was said, Flores revealed, “I told him I love him”
“He had a great attitude when we were at Atletico. His character is not bad. For the coach, this personality type can be amazing. I prefer this to the ice man on the field.” Brazilian goalkeeper Huerelho Gomes won the man of the match award, after a fine display.