Conte hits back at Mourinho over veiled barb

Joe Williams

Antonio Conte responded to Jose Mourinho’s veiled barb after Chelsea conceded a two-goal lead to draw with Roma.

Mourinho, speaking after United’s 1-0 win at Benfica on Wednesday night, did not name names but it was clear he was thinking of his former club Chelsea and Conte, his successor as boss, when he talked of other managers who “cry and cry and cry” about injuries.

And, when the subject was broached after a 3-3 draw which extended Chelsea’s winless run to three games, Conte retaliated.

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

“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.”

Chelsea are already without N’Golo Kante, Victor Moses (both hamstring) and Danny Drinkwater (calf).

And David Luiz suffered a calf injury against Roma which could make him doubtful for Saturday’s clash with Watford, when Chelsea will be seeking to avoid three straight Premier League losses after defeats to Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

Tiemoue Bakayoko, meanwhile, played on despite a groin problem, while Conte played down concerns over captain Gary Cahill after the defender finished the game with a heavily bandaged head, saying it was “nothing serious”.