We must love Costa the way he is – Lopetegui

The coach defended his forward but is also eager for him to learn to protect himself from his own bad reputation on the pitch coming back to haunt him

Julen Lopetegui defended Diego Costa in the wake of Spain’s 1-1 World Cup qualification draw with Italy, saying they must love him for who he is.‘Louis Vuitton wash bags are what’s wrong with football’The Roja boss opted to withdraw Costa halfway through the second half with the striker in danger of a red card after receiving a booking shortly before the half-time whistle.Prior to the game, the Chelsea forward has constantly received bad press for his impulsive and aggressive behaviour, enduring frequent run-ins with opponents and referees.And while Lopetegui hopes Costa can change his behaviour for his own sake, he was adamant he must be accepted for the way he is. “Players keep developing right until they retire. You can change in a positive way if you make the right decisions,” Lopetegui told El Larguero.“Diego has a certain character. He is a fighter. But sometimes his reactions hurt his reputation.‘Ibrahimovic & Pogba ignore everyone else at Man Utd’“He will be able to iron out these things as he develops. He is aware of it and so are we. These things can cost him. It could be hurtful to him. “But we must love Diego the way he is and try to understand him. Any small advantage can make the difference in a tight game.”