Chelsea vs. Bournemouth: Jose Mourinho Talks Diego Costa and More in Presser

There is no concern at Stamford Bridge regarding misfiring forward Diego Costa, according to manager Jose Mourinho, who also gave the media his take on Gary Neville's appointment as Valencia manager on Friday.

Mourinho spoke ahead of Saturday's home fixture against Bournemouth and dismissed any rumours linking Costa with a west London exit after netting just four goals this season, per ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney:

Speculation regarding Costa's future at the club intensified after the Daily Mail's Ashley Clements reported images of the forward leaving London nightclub Libertine in the early hours of Thursday morning.

This came after the striker was an unused substitute in last Sunday's goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur and appeared to lash out by throwing a bib at his manager on the bench, as reported by BBC Sport.

However, Mourinho was quick to sympathise with the Spain international for what he feels is an unfair amount of attention, suggesting there's a desire to catch the 27-year-old out in what's been a rough patch:

Despite his failure to live up to last season's heights, Costa remains Mourinho's first choice in attack, and he appears set to start against the Cherries after his manager stated "he trained well," per Delaney.

The Portuguese was then asked for his opinion on Valencia's decision to appoint former Manchester United defender Neville their new manager, according to the Mirror's Matt Lewis: 

"

There is always a first day for a manager. If he wants to be a manager he must have a first day. He was a very good player, a very good pundit and he now has to prove he is a good manager.

When Gary accepts the challenge of Valencia it means he wants to do it. I believe to accept the challenge is because he feels very well prepared.

"

The Sun (h/t the Mirror) reported earlier in the week that Mourinho was being eyed as a potential replacement for Neville when his interim role comes to an end next summer.

However, the Chelsea boss remains committed to the Stamford Bridge cause and stated Los Che are all too aware of where his loyalties lies:

The west Londoners play host to Bournemouth having avoided defeat in their last three outings, sitting 14th in the Premier League after 14 games and with improvements in sight.

December can so often be the juncture at which seasons are turned around, either for better or for worse, and Lewis quoted Mourinho, who stated he hopes this will be an example of the former for his men:

"

We hope so. I have to be cautious because this is the Premier League and you don’t know what’s waiting around the corner. We were strong as a club. Bad results with good performances, we kept our faith and last week we got three positive results in a row. I think this month of December can be good. We play four matches at home in the Premier League.

"

According to Matt McGeehan of the Press Association, Mourinho confirmed fit-again goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is back for the test of Bournemouth, but John Terry, Ramires and Radamel Falcao are all injured.

The past three months have likely been the hardest in Mourinho's career to date, but the Chelsea manager remains confident form will pick up as his ranks return to full strength.