Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho accused Chelsea boss Antonio Conte of humiliating him in front of his former fans. Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge ended in a disappointment as Chelsea comfortably beat Manchester United 4-0 in the Premier League. Pedro, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard, and N’Golo Kante all found the back of the net in what turned out to be a red-letter day for the blues.
Mourinho and Conte were seen exchanging heated words at the final whistle. Apparently, Mourinho was unhappy with Conte’s dramatic touchline celebrations. “You don’t wind up the crowd or celebrate like that at 4-0. You do it at 1-0. It’s humiliating,” Mourinho reportedly told Conte. Conte was simply ecstatic celebrating Chelsea’s goals and had appeared to wind up the crowd. “There was no incident, it was just a normal thing to do. I wasn’t mocking anyone, I wouldn’t do that,” Conte explained at the post-match press conference. “I’ve been a player too and I know how to behave. I always show great respect for everyone, including Manchester United,” the Italian added.
Mourinho felt dejected after witnessing the Mancunian Reds being bullied by their counterparts. After all the 4-0 loss was the Portuguese’s biggest defeat on English soil. One could see it in his eyes that things were definitely falling apart right from the word go. Mourinho used up all his substitutions with almost 30 minutes remaining, so as to cope with the constant pressure and the endless counter-attacks. But Conte’s Chelsea led by Gary Cahill was certainly up to the task in the absence of John Terry.
Mourinho was always outspoken as a Chelsea manager. He used to wind up the crowd to impose pressure on the opposition, be involved in touchline spats with managers and referees. The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ is someone known for his dramatic celebrations. He is a world-class football manager who has helped Chelsea win the Premier League three times in his two stints with the London outfit. He still remains a fan favourite. But, Mourinho was wrong to blame Conte for trying to raise the noise level at a time when United was already broken.
Mourinho probably shouldn’t have accused Conte. The Italian is in his debut season in what is the most competitive league in the world. Manchester United suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of his club. Conte had every right to celebrate and wind up the crowd at Stamford Bridge regardless of what Mourinho felt. His celebrations were not for mocking their rivals, it was his way of expressing his sheer joy. Conte understands he needs to survive and then thrive. His new 3-5-2 tactics are doing wonders for the Blues. Chelsea players are working together as a collective unit under Conte and recent results prove that.
(Video: Youtube/Classy Football)
Manchester United are currently 7th in the Premier League table with 14 points. While Chelsea are presently 4th in the Premier League table with 19 points. Mourinho needs to turn things around quickly as United have hired him to make a statement. Elsewhere, Roman Abramovich signed Conte to implement attacking and possession football.
(Video: Youtube/Classy Football)
