Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa claims Antonio Conte is not a ‘top, top manager’ and ‘would never last a season at Real Madrid’ because of his man-management.

Costa won the Premier League under Conte in 2017, during the coach’s first season in charge of Chelsea.

However, their rapport broke down when the Inter boss informed the striker he was no longer needed by text message.

The 31-year-old maintains he has ‘no hard feelings’ towards the ex-Italy CT but is not a fan of his ‘very suspicious’ approach.

“We [Conte and I] had problems off the pitch, but I think he is a really good manager. I have no hard feelings towards Conte,” he told ESPN as cited by Football Italia.

“But to be a top, top manager, he needs to change the human side of his management.”

Conte was tipped to take over at Real Madrid after Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal two years ago…

“He is very suspicious. At a like, say, Real Madrid, he would never last a season.”

Costa returned to Atletico Madrid in January 2018 but has been linked with Serie A moves in recent weeks.