Chelsea boss Antonio Conte insists he has “zero problem” with Jose Mourinho despite his clashes with the Manchester United manager earlier this season.

The pair exchanged angry words on the touchline during both games between the sides at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho took issue with Conte’s behaviour during the closing stages of Chelsea’s 4-0 drubbing of United in October, while the Italian was angered by United’s physical treatment of Eden Hazard during their FA Cup quarter-final clash last month. But as the sides prepare to meet for the third time this season, live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Sunday, Conte insisted he has no issues with Mourinho and does not enjoy confrontation.
“I have zero problem,” he said. “It’s a sporting competition between me and him. “There is a game of football and I want to win with my team, he wants to win with his team. It’s normal to be in conflict during the game but only a sporting conflict.
“It’s very simple, the conflict is the game. It’s not a friendly game, both teams want the three points and for this reason you fight to win.
“Do I like the conflict? No, I don’t like it. I prefer to concentrate on my team. But sometimes it’s normal for me and the other coach to have this situation. But do I like it? No.”
Mourinho was labelled “Judas” by a section of Blues supporters during United’s FA Cup defeat, but the man who led them to three titles said afterwards that “Judas is still No 1 ” until someone beats that record. When asked for his reaction to those comments, Conte said: “Nothing. Nothing. He won a lot with this team and this club has always showed him great respect for his past.
“Nothing has changed. We have great respect for his history at this club.”