CONTE TELLS JOSE: SORRY, I CAN’T KEEP A LID ON PASSION
ANTONIO CONTE will not mute his touchline celebrations when Jose Mourinho returns to Chelsea for Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final. The pair clashed after Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in October, with Mourinho upset by Conte’s reaction to the fourth goal. Mourinho, back at Chelsea for the first time since being ousted from the Bridge, claimed it was an attempt at ‘humiliating’ his team. They have not spoken since but Conte said: ‘It’s not important. We have nothing to clarify with him. I’ve shown at Chelsea and with every team I’ve managed that I live the game with great passion. ‘Sometimes I want to share my enthusiasm with my players, my staff and also the fans. It is normal.’ United have lost only twice in 31 games in all competitions since, two inconsequential defeats which did not halt their progress in the Europa League and the EFL Cup.
now, it is better,’ said Conte. ‘In October, we didn’t know our future. In March we are top, we have a good identity and a good team. ‘We are showing good football but it will be a really tough game against United. With Manchester City, they have the best squad in the league with a lot of great players, with great talent and great experience. ‘We want to get into the next round. Until now, we didn’t win anything.’ Mourinho was quick to note Chelsea’s comfortable week of preparation for Monday’s FA Cup tie had been in contrast to United, who did not return from a game against Rostov in Russia until 3.30am yesterday. ‘My players and I are focused on the game on the pitch,’ said Conte. ‘The most important thing is to prepare the team in the right way, with good organisation; to think about my team, try through work to improve my players. These are the most important things for me and for every coach. ‘The mind games, they’re strange. The mind games don’t bring you the win.’