Chelsea vs Manchester United: Antonio Conte defends actions despite angering Jose Mourinho with celebrations

The Italian gesticulated to the Stamford Bridge crowd for more noise, which appeared to irk his opposite number

Conte waves his arms and pleads for more noise at Stamford Bridge (Getty)

Antonio Conte has defended himself for demanding more noise from the Chelsea supporters in the dying moments of his side’s emphatic 4-0 win over Manchester United.

The Italian’s gesticulations raised the home crowd to its feet but also appeared to anger his opposite number, Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho, who was returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he was dismissed by Chelsea last December, appeared to complain to Conte about his behaviour after the final whistle.

“I think that today it was right to call our fans in that moment,” said Conte, who refused to reveal what Mourinho said to him.

“I was listening only to the support of Manchester United after 4-0, and I called our fans to do a great clap to the players after this type of performance.

“I think the players, after a win like this, they deserve a great clap. It's very normal.

“I think we live with emotion,” Conte added. “If we want to cut the emotion, we can go home and stay and change our job.”

Having seen his Chelsea side suffer defeat to Liverpool and Arsenal in their first two meetings with fellow title contenders, Conte stressed the importance of this victory.

Despite being prematurely written out of the race in some quarters, Chelsea now sit in fourth, just one point off leaders Manchester City.

“This game was very important for our ambition,” he said. “After two defeats against two great teams like Liverpool and Arsenal, it was very important to have a good answer and to win against a very strong team.

“After this type of win, it usually increases your confidence. You trust more in the work. I think this is the most important piece. The three points, good, because now we are in a good position in the table but we must continue.”