As former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge this Sunday for the first time since he was sacked last December, it will be the first time Chelsea fans will see their old manager in charge of his new team Manchester United. Given the nature of both clubs right now – meaning they are both in somewhat of a transition after missing out on Champions League qualification – we can expect a tactical contest which will be tightly contested from start to finish.

Antonio Conte speaking at his Friday press conference said that he felt Jose Mourinho naturally is deserving of a good reception at Stamford Bridge given his storied history with Chelsea but once the game starts he will be treated as “an enemy” of Chelsea just like any other Manchester United manager would be. Conte had this to say when asked about his rival,

“I think that he was an important manager for Chelsea, with the club, with the players, he brought a part of the history [of the club]. He won three championships.

“He deserves a good reception. I repeat: he wrote, with the club and with the players and the staff, a part of the story of this club. When you’ve won three championships you remain in the hearts of the fans. It’s normal.

“I think he deserves this. Then, after the whistle, he becomes like the other players of Manchester United — an enemy. But from a sporting aspect.”

So clearly while he respects Mourinho there is not much room for sentiment with Conte, he wants to win and claim the bragging rights and more importantly the three points which could put Chelsea in the top 4 if other other results go their way.

Conte watched United’s last match against Liverpool which the two teams played out to an intense draw. As ESPNFC reported Conte had this to say about the United match,

“I watched the game against Liverpool, it was a very tough game between two good teams. I think they’ll fight for the title until the end, for this championship. It was a tactical game because we saw two teams very close who paid great attention, above all when they were without the ball.

“Yes, I think also on Sunday it will be a tactical game. Usually, when two great teams face each other like Manchester United and Chelsea, it’s important to prepare the tactical and technical aspects. To prepare offensive and defensive situations. But sure, I think it can be a tactical game.”

So the boss expects a high level of tactical play and knowing Jose Mourinho he is likely to be spot on. It certainly will be an interesting homecoming for the United manager and hopefully for the Blues, Conte continues Chelsea’s recent dominance over United and leads them to a win.