Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores has no problems with Diego Costa despite the striker's antics in the 0-0 draw between the Hornets and Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Costa was up to his old tricks as he got involved in scuffles with Juan Carlos Paredes and Sebastian Prodl throughout the course of the match.

The Spanish striker's former Atletico Madrid boss admitted he does not have a problem with the way Costa goes about his business.

Flores told Sky Sports: "I understand Costa because I coached him and I know he wants to challenge every player, but nothing happened really.

"He was younger [then], and I was worried how I could organise his football. You could feel his potential, and it was important to focus it."

Asked what he said to Costa just before half-time after he and Paredes had clashed, Flores added: "That I love him!

"His character is his character. I prefer that character to an ice-man on the pitch. When you're the coach and you have this kind of character from the player it is amazing.

"Today it was important that [John Obi] Mikel, [Cesc] Fabregas, and Oscar, did not give Costa the pass. The work of our midfield and defence over their midfielders was very important."