with the spark to ignite their spluttering campaign.
Feted as kings of the Premier League in May, just five months later the Blues are languishing in 16th place following a 3-1 home defeat against Southampton.
That loss came amid reports of a dressing room mutiny against the Chelsea boss.
And, despite public backing from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Mourinho cut an agitated figure this week when he launched a scathing attack on the Football Association after he was fined and given a suspended one-match stadium ban following his criticism of the officials in the Southampton match.
With tensions running high at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho is relieved to welcome back Costa after a three-match ban and said the Spain striker’s return had lifted morale ahead of Aston Villa’s visit on Saturday.
“On Friday we had a good conversation. We laughed a lot because Diego Costa found the reasons for the bad results,” Mourinho said.
“I cannot tell you but he gave us the solution to go back to victories.
“We cannot run away from the reality of the table in the Premier League.
“The numbers are very cruel and we need points, but obviously we know we’re not going to be relegated.”
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