
Chelsea
head coach Antonio Conte will continue to prioritise a winning team over the
happiness of individuals, including Diego Costa and captain John Terry.
Conte on Friday spoke of optimism that Costa will stay at Chelsea, but
insisted the striker's future will be addressed at the end of the season.
Another possible summer departure after more than 18 years in the Chelsea
first team is Terry, who is expected to feature in the FA Cup at Wolves on
Saturday.
Terry has had no complaints at being absent as Chelsea have marched to an
eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League, while Cesc Fabregas'
impact has often come as a substitute.
And Conte is content that his fringe personnel are frustrated and eager to
feature more.
"The most important thing, the target, is to win, not to try to have 21
players happy," Conte said.
"I want to be happy, but I'm happy if we win. Not if we lose and have 21
players happy.
"To be happy we go to the theatre, (to) the cinema.
"I want the players to try to fight to put me (under) pressure, (to give me)
problems to solve, to make the best solution for the team.
"We must continue to put the team above all."
Conte insists he treats all of his players the same, whether they start
every game or are more peripheral.
"I want to give them great respect, because I demand this," he added. "I
think that's the right way to have a good dressing room.
"Believe me it's not easy to have these types of players, this type of
group. I think we're growing a lot in these seven months in all these
aspects."
"If the player wants to ask me, the player knows very well that my door is
always open. When you are honest in your choices, you can always see your
players straight in the eyes."
Chelsea are seeking to reach the FA Cup quarter-final for the 11th time in
16 seasons. They have won the cup four times since 2005-06, including in
2010 when Carlo Ancelotti's side also won the league.
"We must have this winning mentality," he added.
"Tomorrow the game won't be easy. Don't forget Wolverhampton won against
Liverpool away, won against Stoke away.
"I hope tomorrow the result will be different and Chelsea to go in the next
round."