Antonio Conte has demanded Chelsea concentrate on Sunday’s away team - not the man in the other Stamford Bridge dugout.

Jose Mourinho returns for the first time since he was shown the door in December last year, with everyone expecting a feisty encounter, not least because of the Special One’s presence.

The impression left was one of changing room turmoil when Mourinho was dismissed just seven months after winning the Premier League title.


A fair number of those in blue were blamed for Mourinho’s downfall, but the new gaffer insists Chelsea should worry more about those they face on the pitch.

Conte says the focus this week has been all about beating eleven men - not just one so-called Special type.

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“I must be honest, I didn't talk to my players about Jose Mourinho, because a coach is coming back who won three titles with Chelsea, and won with many players who are still here,” the Blues boss added.

“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.”

There is every chance striker Diego Costa and his short fuse could be the subject of United wind-ups.

As well as the 10 goals the lethal hitman has scored this term - the Spanish international has also picked up half as many yellow cards.

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His manager reckons the forward's more recent record indicates he will keep a lid on high-running emotions.

“I think that Manchester United are worried by Chelsea, by the whole team,” Conte said.

“I think that it's useless to speak with Diego to speak about this situation.

“He knows very well. Also because, now, Diego didn't take a yellow card in the last two games. He played very well, playing the right way. Yeah.”

It’s owner Roman Abramovich’s 50th birthday on Monday.

Conte was asked if he got the Russian billionaire a present.

“I think he deserves this [a present] for his commitment in Chelsea,” the manager added.

“The players, we want to give him this gift. Also, it's right to ask this question of Manchester United, also.”

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