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Cape Town - Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted that all is forgiven between him and Diego Costa, while also dishing out praise to N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard.
Costa clashed with his manager ahead of Chelsea’s win over Leicester City, and was subsequently dropped against the Foxes, but since then he has returned to both the team and his usual goal-scoring form.
"I was clear with him, I spoke to him forcefully and he understood me," Conte told Sky Italia of the 15-goals-so-far forward. "Now everything is perfect."
Conte also praised Belgian winger Eden Hazard, who is back to his scintillating best and scored a fine solo goal against Arsenal on Saturday, calling him "immensely talented" before focusing on midfielder Kante.
"[Kante] has dependability, we know, but he has quality too," Conte continued. "He even should get better in some parts. He tends to be a horizontally moving player, but needs to learn vertically.
"He's a great kid, always helping out the other players. It was a terrific purchase. His goal against Manchester United was wonderful."
Conte was in his homeland to witness his former side Juventus beat Inter Milan 1-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday after his side defeated Arsenal 3-1 to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership table.
Conte's men who are now clear title favourites next travel to Turf Moor on Sunday to face an in-form Burnley side looking to extend their lead at the summit of the table.
Kick-off is at 15:30.
