Conte Hits Back At Mourinho’s ‘Crying’ Comment

Antonio Conte hit back at Jose Mourinho for the first time after Chelsea’s injury crisis worsened with fresh problems for David Luiz and Tiemoue Bakayoko in Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Roma in the Champions League.

He said Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho needs to “look at himself” and stop talking about his former side.

Mourinho, who had two spells as Chelsea boss, said there are other managers who “cry and cry and cry” about injuries.

“A lot of time Mourinho has to see what happens at Chelsea,” Conte said.

Asked about Mourinho’s comments, which were not specifically directed at Conte, the Italian added: “A lot of time, also last season, I think he has to think about his team and stop, to look at himself, not the others.”

Both David Luiz, who started in midfield, and Tiemoue Bakayoko picked up injuries as the Blues drew at home to Roma in the Champions League, while Manchester United won 1-0 at Benfica.

With N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater already out, Cesc Fabregas is now Chelsea’s only recognised senior central midfielder.

“The same players have been going all the time since preseason,” Conte said.

“It’s not about injuries, but trying to get the best out of the team.

“We’ve got three injuries, not seven or eight, but it’s still an emergency situation for us.”

Chelsea spent nearly £180m in the summer, adding to their midfield options with the signing of Drinkwater from Leicester and Bakayoko from Monaco.

But Conte also saw two central midfielders leave the club as Nemanja Matic joined Manchester United and Nathaniel Chalobah signed for Watford.

Chelsea also have four players recognised for that position, who are aged over 20, out on loan – Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Crystal Palace), Marco van Ginkel (PSV Eindhoven), Mario Pasalic (Spartak Moscow) and Lewis Baker (Middlesbrough).

Source: BBC