Antonio Conte expects 'good reception' for returning Jose Mourinho as Chelsea face Manchester United in Sunday showdown... but warns him he'll be the 'enemy' after kick-off

JOSE

Antonio Conte expects Chelsea fans to welcome Jose Mourinho with the respect he deserves but warned the Manchester United manager he will become the 'enemy' once the game starts.

Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for the first time since he was sacked in December.

The 'Special One' lifted the Premier League title three times during his two spells at Stamford Bridge.  

'He deserves a good reception because he wrote a part of the Chelsea story with the players and the staff,' said Conte.

'When you win three titles you remain in the heart of the fans. It's normal, and he deserves this.

'But after the whistle he becomes like the other players of Man United, an enemy in a sporting aspect.

'I have great respect for him. He is a great manager. He won a lot. He deserves the maximum respect.

'He was an important manager for Chelsea, for the club and the players he was a part of the story. He won three titles and he was an important man for the club.'

'It will be a tactical game. When two great teams play it is important to prepare the tactical and technical aspect.' 

One player in the United ranks Conte will be very familiar with is Paul Pogba, whom he signed from United in 2012 when manager of Juventus.

He said of the Frenchman: 'When we took him from Manchester United he was a fantastic player. He deserves it all. For him to come back to Man United was his dream. I wish for him only the best - but only after the game.'  

Conte confirmed that captain John Terry is fit again and available for selection if needed.

'John is in good shape,' the Italian said. 'He trained with the team, he's good. He solved the problem with his ankle. He trained very well this week. He is available for the game.'  

Willian returned from Brazil on Thursday following the death of his mother but may not be selected seeing as he has only taken part in two training sessions.

Oscar has also suffered bereavement, flying back to Brazil after the death his grandfather, and so will be missing on Sunday.

Conte added that he hopes to have Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic back from minor muscle problems soon and anticipates that Kurt Zouma will return to full training next week.