Chelsea boss Antonio Conte refuses to confirm handshake with Manchester United's Jose Mourinho

Simon Johnson23 February 2018

Antonio Conte has refused to confirm whether he will shake Jose Mourinho’s hand before Chelsea’s match at Manchester United on Sunday.

The duo have clashed a number of times since Conte took over at Stamford Bridge and last month exchanged a number of insults.

It has been reported that Mourinho intends to seek out the Italian before the Premier league match to make peace.

But when asked if he would accept Mourinho’s hand, Conte said: “I’m not interested to speak about this topic. In the past both of us said things, okay.”

Chelsea will draw level with Manchester United on 56 points if they secure a victory at Old Trafford.

But Conte admits the task will be harder now that Alexis Sanchez is part of Mourinho’s side.

The Chelsea coach wanted to buy Sanchez, but the club refused to meet his wage demands which are believed to be worth around £500,000-a-week.

He added: “Manchester United were strong before and are strong now. But when you have a great player like Sanchez, you’re stronger.

“We have to prepare with the expectation is to see him on the pitch with Romelu Lukaku. I don’t know whether there will be another midfielder or a number 10.”

Another sub-plot to the game is Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, whose relationship with Mourinho has come under scrutiny.

Pogba has been dropped to the bench three times in recent weeks and there has been speculation that they have fallen out.

Conte knows Pogba well having signed him for Juventus after he’d failed to break through as a youngster at old Trafford. He has since gone on to become one of the best midfielders in the world.

“We are talking a top player, a fantastic player,” he said. “My expectation is to see him on the pitch. If he stays out it will be better.”

Pressed on how to get the best out of him, he said: “We are talking about a top player. Every coach has to find the right way to manage him. Pogba is showing at United that he’s a top player.

“Am I surprised he’s not starting? I must be honest my focus is only for Chelsea, not what happened in the other team.”

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