Guus Hiddink has revealed he told Chelsea striker Diego Costa to stop being wound up by opponents following several incidents in midweek against West Bromwich Albion.

He said: "Sometimes as a coach you don't have to say anything, players are smart enough to do what they think.

"But I talk about this (him being targeted by the opposition ) with him. It's not every day, but (for example) this morning I did for a few minutes - that defenders like to provoke a bit, which is normal in a man's game. He has to deal with that, the referee too.

"We can all aim at Diego, but there is more at stake at that moment. I will defend my players, especially when they are very hot.

"But I'm not saying 'we must not have our self-control and damage the team'. But there is always delicate provocation from left and right.

"He is playing on the edge, but also opponents are playing on the edge. They are provoking as well.

"If you see the (West Brom) game going on, on my left side, I try to have a broad view. I see little things, little touches. It's mutual.

"But nevertheless he should control himself. I don't think he was out of order, he was on the edge, but it was both ways."