Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says obsession over his relationship with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is ‘stupid’

No regrets | Antonio Conte: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images
No regrets | Antonio Conte: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images

Antonio Conte has no regrets over responding to Jose Mourinho's veiled barb in midweek, labelling the media's interest in the pair's relationship as "stupid".

Mourinho appeared to take aim at Conte following Manchester United's 1-0 Champions League win against Benfica on Wednesday when he said some managers "cry and cry and cry" about injuries.

Conte, of course, is experiencing an injury crisis of sorts having been without top scorer Alvaro Morata for the trip to Crystal Palace and now being without N'Golo Kante, Victor Moses (both hamstring) and Danny Drinkwater (calf) for the visit of Watford on Saturday.

When asked about Mourinho's comments in the aftermath of Chelsea's 3-3 draw with Roma at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea boss replied: "A lot of time Mourinho has to see what happens at Chelsea.

"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."

And the Italian has no regrets at retorting to Mourinho, but expressed his surprise at the media's interest in his views on the former Chelsea manager.

Conte told reporters on Friday: "I regret, why? I think every coach, every manager has to talk about his job, about himself, about his team, about his players, and not the others.

"My answer is always the same. Every coach must be focused on own work, on own complaints. I think it's the same way.

"I think these are stupid things. For me this is a stupid subject, a stupid issue. It's fun to see your interest in this. I'm surprised about this."