Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has hinted that his current squad of players are still trying to shake off the damage that stemmed from Jose Mourinho's failed second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, according to theMirror.
Mourinho was sacked in December 2015 after a "palpable discord" was reported in the dressing room, just months after he had sealed a Premier League title win for the London club. Mourinho has been replaced at Stamford Bridge, long-term, by Conte, and he is now preparing to welcome Mourinho back to the Bridge for the first time on Sunday.
Manchester United are the visitors, managed by Mourinho, but Conte admitted in the lead up to the game that one of the most difficult things for him so far is getting his players to forget about their poor season last year.
He said:"When there are these types of very bad seasons - because we finished 10th in the table - it's normal that something remains in the players. In their minds. In their heads.
WATCH: Antonio Conte urges @ChelseaFC fans to welcome Jose Mourinho on Sunday: https://t.co/xsg8XbJZwc #SSNHQ https://t.co/RHgDK3bzxa
"In this situation, the risk is to lose confidence. Also, it's very difficult because you must change what happened last season, and that's not easy.
"The only way we have to change is to work very hard together with the players, the club and the fans. I repeat: it won't be easy to cancel a bad season like last season.�
Conte admitted Mourinho hasn't been a subject of his team talks this week, but urged the club's fans to receive their former boss well when he takes to the touchline on Sunday.
He added:I think he deserves a good reception. He brought with the club and with the players and the staff, a big part of the story of this club.When you've won three championships, you remain in the hearts of the fans. It's normal. I think he deserves this.
"Then, after the whistle, he becomes like the other players of Manchester United. An enemy. But from a sporting aspect.
I must be honest, I didn't talk to my players about Jose Mourinho. I think this is an important topic because a coach is coming back who won three titles with Chelsea, and won with many players who are still here.
But, for us, what is important is Manchester United and playing against a team, not just Jose Mourinho. For this reason, I didn't speak to them about Jose Mourinho.�
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