Meeting Chelsea means ‘less and less’, says Jose
Jose Mourinho refused to be drawn on his relationship with Antonio Conte ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Manchester United this weekend, instead only claiming that playing his former club means “less and less”.
The pair became embroiled in a public feud last month which culminated in Conte calling Mourinho a “little man” and suggesting they should meet “in a room” ahead of Sunday’s game at Old Trafford to talk through their fall-out.
Mourinho, however, refused to talk at length about his spat with the Italian and instead chose to focus his
history with Chelsea.
The Portuguese coach won three Premier League titles over the course of two separate spells at Stamford Bridge, but claimed that the significance of reunions with his former club will decrease over time.
“To play against Chelsea will mean less and less and less with the years. Of course I left already a couple of years ago, next season three years ago, in four years, four years ago,” he said.
“Step-by-step, that feeling I was the Chelsea manager for them disappears. The real meaning of it is that two of the best teams in England, two of the biggest clubs playing one more match.”
Mourinho believes he has maintained a healthy relationship with his former colleagues and players in west London, even though his standing has fallen among sections of Chelsea’s support.
The United manager was labelled ‘Judas’ by some members of the Stamford Bridge home support during an FA Cup tie last March, to which he replied: “Judas is still No 1.”
“I have good relations with the board. I don’t forget how nice they were to me in a difficult period with my final departure,” he said.
“They showed me in that moment they feel me as a friend, as someone who did his best for the club and would always respect the club. In relation to the board, they know their relation with me is always good.
“With the players, I don’t have any problem, any regret. I don’t have any stone in my shoes. No problems at all.
Mourinho added: “The fans, the fans are fans. With many in the street, I feel that empathy, that connection that should normally be forever. When I play at Stamford Bridge, some reaction from the fans are just reactions. I don’t care much.”
On his feud with Conte, Mourinho merely said: “I don’t want to speak about it. I told you before I’m not going to speak more about it. Not at all.
“That’s not the point. Very good manager, fantastic team and that’s what is important for me.”