Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says he always respects the opposition, beginning with West Ham on Wednesday night.
Conte was speaking to the press ahead of the EFL fourth round tie with the Hammers and was asked about his team’s 4-0 victory over Manchester United at the weekend.
We are ready and all the players are ready to play a good game.
Antonio Conte
He and opposite number Jose Mourinho had a lengthy conversation after the final whistle but Conte, who urged the Stamford Bridge crowd to make more noise, rejected accusations he showed a lack of respect on Sunday.
He told the press conference ahead of the West Ham game: “You can see my history and my past, you can see my emotion on the bench.
“I always show respect for the opponent, for the other team and the other club – my history speaks for me.”
Speaking about his team for the short trip to the London Stadium to take on the Hammers, Conte said that John Terry was fit to play, though Branislav Ivanovic and Cesc Fabregas will not take part.
Chelsea are 4/5 to win the game and book a place in the EFL Cup quarter-final. The Hammers, recovering after a slow start to the season, are 15/4.
“We are ready and all the players are ready to play a good game,” Conte added.
“I hope to see a good atmosphere. I know that these two teams are big rivals, but in England it is always a fantastic atmosphere and I hope to see that tomorrow.”
The Hammers could see the return of Andrew Ayew back into the squad.
The striker has been missing since the start of the season with a thigh injury but is back in full training while Slaven Bilic’s squad may also include Aaron Cresswell who missed Saturday’s victory over Sunderland due to suspension.
Chelsea are 6/1 to win the EFL Cup at Wembley early next year while the Hammers are priced at 20/1.
Source: bet365.com