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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho (left) and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte shake hands after the final whistle. John Walton

'I was a football player, so I know how to behave on the pitch'

Antonio Conte has responded to Jose Mourinho’s criticism during the Chelsea-United match.

CHELSEA MANAGER ANTONIO Conte has dismissed suggestions that his touchline actions during his side’s 4-0 over Man United were disrespectful.

Jose Mourinho felt his counterpart’s exuberant behaviour was “humiliating” and had a word with Conte after the match, but the Chelsea boss played down this claim in a post-match interview with Sky Italia.

The Italian explained that he was merely attempting to enliven the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, with Red Devils fans’ singing more audible than the home support towards the end of the match, despite the scoreline being in the Londoners’ favour.

“I was a football player, so I know how to behave on the pitch,” he said.

“There were United fans who kept singing, while ours were in silence after a great performance from my team. I wanted to call the crowd to applaud the players, which seems normal enough to me.

“I have great respect for everyone. Nothing happened with Jose, especially as my behaviour seemed normal. I didn’t make fun of or humiliate anyone, as I always demand respect.

“Today, I think it is important to talk about the game and I say my players deserved this type of performance.”

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