‘I have respect for every coach
this.” Conte had also insisted at the weekend that he was “ready” for any confrontation with Mourinho. The next time the two managers are due to come face to face will be the Premier League clash at Old Trafford on February 25. However, that will have to be rescheduled if Chelsea reach the Carabao Cup final, which is on the same day.
The Italian recently also had a dig at under-pressure Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, hitting back after his rival had accused Eden Hazard of diving to win a penalty in the 2-2 league draw between the clubs last week – calling the Frenchman “old”.
As he prepared for the second of three confrontations with the Gunners this month, Conte insisted he had no problem with the Frenchman and that he did not hate anyone. The Arsenal manager also has a long history of spats with Mourinho.
Conte, who will have Hazard fit for tonight’s semi-final first leg after recovering from a knock, said: “I made a comment about Arsene because he mentioned my player.
“Otherwise, I have respect for what every coach thinks. Every coach has their own opinion and we must respect it if you don’t offend anyone. It is not true that we both hate the same person. I do not hate anyone.”
Chelsea are expected to field a strong line-up tonight with Hazard, Alvaro Morata and N’Golo Kante all