FEUD IF YOU THINK IT’S OVER
Jose’s rivalry with Conte means
THE biggest managerial feud in the Premier League could help decide the title race.
Antonio Conte goes head to head with Jose Mourinho on Easter Sunday in what is shaping up to be a pivotal weekend. Chelsea face arguably the toughest game of their run-in at Manchester United 24 hours after title rivals Tottenham are handed the chance to reduce the gap at the top to four points with a home match against Bournemouth.
It is a situation which Mourinho will undoubtedly relish because the end of his love affair with former club Chelsea has been quite spectacular – and his rivalry with Conte could produce fireworks.
Mourinho snapped at Chelsea fans after United lost their FA Cup tie at Stamford Bridge last month with one of his classic soundbites, telling them: “Judas is still No.1.”
It was a reminder he won three Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge.
In fact, Mourinho has sounded like a spurned lover, regularly making barbs about Chelsea’s “very defensive” style of play. The tone of Conte’s reply when asked about Mourinho at Bournemouth on Saturday told its own story. “I think I have already replied to this question before the game in the FA Cup,” he said brusquely.
It is a huge irony that the former Mr Chelsea could help stop his old club winning the league.
Conte has warned his players they must keep their heads against United no matter what happens at Spurs 24 hours earlier.
“It’s very important always to control our emotions because we are playing and fighting to win the title,” he said.
“This game will be a tough game but we are ready to play. In England easy games do not