Chelsea vs Manchester United: Antonio Conte wants a good reception for 'sporting enemy' Jose Mourinho

Mourinho will return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he was dismissed by Chelsea's owner Roman Abramovich last December

Conte thinks Mourinho deserves 'a good reception' from the Stamford Bridge faithful (Getty)

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes that Jose Mourinho "deserves a good reception" when he returns to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, even though he will be a "sporting enemy" at 4.00pm.

Mourinho will bring his Manchester United team to Chelsea this weekend, his first return to Stamford Bridge since he was sacked by Roman Abramovich last Christmas. Having won three Premier League titles over his two Chelsea spells, Mourinho is certain of a good reception, although Conte said that there would be no sentimental treatment now that he is on the other side.

"I think he deserves a good reception," Conte said, ahead of a crucial game for both teams and managers. "He brought, with the club and with the players and the staff, part of the history of this club. When you have won three championships you remain in the hearts of the fans. This is normal and he deserves it. Then, after the whistle, he becomes like the other players of Manchester United: an enemy, but from a sporting aspect."

Conte is currently trying to rebuild Chelsea, post-Mourinho, and he said that he still has "maximum respect" for the most important manager in Chelsea's history. "I have great respect for him," Conte said. "Sure, he's a great manager. He won a lot in his career. I think that he deserves the maximum respect.”

Conte is still considering whether to bring Willian back into his team, after the Brazil international only return to training on Thursday following the death of his mother. “Willian came back on Thursday, in the morning, and then had two training sessions with us," Conte explained. "But in this situation it's very important to consider all aspects. I spoke also with the player. We are all sorry for him and his situation. It is important now that we support him: me, the players, the club."

While John Terry is fit to play, Chelsea will be without Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic who have minor muscle injuries. "“Cesc had an injury, a small muscular injury in his thigh," Conte said. "So we must wait until the player is well to come back. Also Ivanovic is injured, who came back with a muscular injury from the international break."