Antonio Conte Tips Manchester United for Top 4

Antonio Conte Tips Manchester United for Top 4

Chelsea head coach, Antonio Conte believes Manchester United are still in the running for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.

Conte made the assertion ahead of his side’s crucial visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, stating that Jose Mourinho’s men, who presently lie fifth – four points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City – should not be ruled out of the top-four race yet, Goal writes.

“I think Manchester United have the possibility to arrive in the table in the first four places,” he said.

“But I’m sure United’s players know this situation. They want to fight to arrive in this position.

“It’s not right to be concentrated only on one target if you have the possibility with two [options] to reach the Champions League.”

The former Italy coach played down suggestions of a rift between himself and Mourinho, stating that he has no problems with his opposite number.

“I have zero problems,” Conte said. “It’s only a sporting competition between him and me. There is a game of football.”

Meanwhile, Mourinho insists he won’t be on a revenge mission when the Blues come visiting because he regards the crucial clash against his old club as just another game.

Mourinho, sacked by Chelsea last season, has already suffered two chastening defeats at the hands of the Premier League leaders earlier this season, even as their fans taunted him with chants of “Judas” on his last visit to Stamford Bridge.

As both sides gear up for another classic encounter, the 54-year-old Portuguese is doing his best to take the emotion out of the showdown.

“For me, it is just a game. One more game. No difference for me,” he said.

Asked if there was nothing special about the game, Mourinho said, “No, not at all.”