Ahead of the big Premier League match on Sunday between Manchester United and Chelsea, both managers have been attempting to gain an advantage over their opposite number.
Chelsea gaffer Antonio Conte has talked positively about his former player Paul Pogba, whom he managed at Juventus. He stated in his pre-match press conference that it would be better for his side on Sunday if Pogba remained on the bench, rather than influence the game on the pitch.
The game is a crucial fixture as both sides race to finish in the top four and secure that all important Champions League place. The £89 million midfielder missed the game against Huddersfield in the FA Cup and was only on the bench in United’s Champions League clash against Sevilla, although he did come on early in the game after an injury to Ander Herrera.
Antonio Conte was full of praise for the Frenchman saying: “We are talking about a top player, about a fantastic player.
"My expectation is to see him on the pitch, if he stays out [of the XI] it will be better.
"As I said before, we are talking about a top player. Every coach has to find the right way to manage him. But I think that Pogba is showing at United that he is a top player."
He was keen not to criticise Mourinho’s decisions however, stating when asked if he surprised at the decision: "I must be honest: my focus is only on Chelsea. I'm not interested on what happens with the other teams."
Jose Mourinho is likely to reinstate Pogba to the starting eleven due to that injury to Ander Herrera which could keep the Spaniard out for up to six weeks. Scott McTominay has been the man preferred to Pogba in the middle and Mourinho has been full of praise for his young talent.
Conte and Mourinho seemed to have calmed down the volatile atmosphere ahead of this match but expect the feud between the two to be reignited after the game on Sunday.
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