Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has refuted claims thathe mocked manager Jose Mourinhoduring the Blues' 4-0 drubbing of Manchester United onSunday, according to theEvening Standard.
Much has been made of the former Chelsea boss returning to Stamford Bridge but he saw his team swept aside by a rampant Blues team, that showed little mercy against their hapless opponents.
One of the main talking appoints from the game was actually what happened between the two managers after the full time whistle, where Mourinho appeared to offerhis counterpart Conte some stern words of advice.
WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT?
Jose Mourinho wanted to put his point across to Antonio Conte.
SS1 https://t.co/2FUwOJ63lc https://t.co/nWsmc7QcDb
It's believed that the United managertold the Italian:"You don't celebrate like that at 4-0, you can do it at 1-0, otherwise it's humiliating for us."
The Portuguese had clearly taken exception to Conte's antics towards the end of the match where he appeared to act as chief cheer-leader, in a bid to get the home crowd to become more vocal.
Speaking after the game in his press conference, the Chelsea managerinsistedthere was nothing malicious about his actions andinsistedhe would never act in adisrespectfulway to an opponent.
He said:"I've been a player too and I know how to behave.
"I always show great respect for everyone, including Manchester United.There was no incident, it was just a normal thing to do. I wasn't mocking anyone, I wouldn't do that."
Many believe the touchline clash was used as a smokescreen by the United boss who may have been trying to mask his team's woeful performance. Having spent close to £150m in the summer, Mourinho knows it is only a matter of time before people start questioning his position.
"I am Manchester United 100 per cent."
A heartfelt message from the boss... #MUFC https://t.co/36pbkcIjlo
When asked for his take on what he said to the Chelsea boss after the full time whistle, the Portuguese replied: "I speak to Conte, I don't speak to you [the media].
"It was me and Antonio and stays with me and him. Unless he wants to share."
Life won't be getting any easier for Mourinho and his team, as they now face a daunting EFL cup 4th round tie with league leaders Manchester City. Having already lost to their city rivals this season at Old Trafford, the Red Devils can ill afford another defeat against Pep Guardiola's men.
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