Today brought another Antonio Conte media opportunity and with it a chance for the Chelsea manager to apologize for his war of words with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, and perhaps even bury the hatchet.
Of course, it was also an opportunity for Conte to further escalate the beef; one in which both men seem passionately intent on getting the last word in on the other. The Blues boss took neither path, and instead took a different route. The Italian held status quo on what he said, and expressed no regret.
While passing on the opportunity to further insult Mourinho, Conte maintained that he won’t forget this row, one that has become as ugly in recent memory.
Queried by a reporter today at his press conference ahead of Chelsea’s League Cup semifinal at home against Arsenal tomorrow night: “Do you regret what you said [about Mourinho]?”
He responded: “I have this look of a person who regrets? I don’t think so. We both said things…I won’t forget this [what he said]. This is not a problem for the club. This is a problem between me and him. I stop.”
Conte also confirmed that the League Managers Associations (LMA) have yet to get involved, as the situation continues to ratchet up the tension level. As of now, the Football Association won’t be stepping in to stop it either.
We’ll see how Mourinho responds the next time he speaks with the media.
Also, two teams will meet again on February 25th at Old Trafford. It will be must see television when the two managers meet for the customary handshake. Until then there is a London derby match to be played tomorrow night and here’s a link to our preview for the League Cup clash with Arsenal, and the links to the Chelsea starting XI prediction, and the Gunners first team prediction.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.