Chelsea's Conte defends touchline conduct

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has again defended his touchline conduct, demanding to be shown the same respect he has always shown others after Jose Mourinho's apparent disapproval.

Manchester United boss Mourinho spoke at length to Conte at the final whistle of Sunday's defeat to his former club, with suggestions the Portuguese had been annoyed that his Italian successor had encouraged the home support to cheer on the Blues when they were already 4-0 up.

Conte insisted he had moved on as Sunday's win is now in the past.

But, speaking ahead of Wednesday's EFL Cup fourth round clash at West Ham, he made a pointed remark, which may have left Mourinho with his ears burning.

"I think that everyone must show respect for me, for my work, for my job," Conte said.

"In every game I show myself. Not here, only one game. I have a history and you can see my history, my past and my behaviours on the bench.

"I'm a passionate man, I show this in the past (and) now. I want to stay very close to my players, also to play with them, to help.

"I always show respect for the opponent, for the other teams, for the other club and my history speaks for me."

Conte is looking forward to playing at the London Stadium, with its vast technical areas comparing favourably to Stamford Bridge's small space for a man who kicks every ball and bellows to his players from the touchline.

Conte, still hoarse following Sunday's win over United, was asked whether his behaviour could antagonise opposition fans.

But he preferred to focus on the positive atmosphere, rather than the potential for trouble in the derby with the Hammers.

Captain John Terry was an unused substitute in the wins over Leicester and United, but could start for the first time in six weeks following an ankle injury as Conte prepares to rotate his options.

Willian came off the bench against United and could start for the first time since taking compassionate leave following the death of his mother.

The likes of midfielders Nathaniel Chalobah could also start, but Conte's priority is to pick a team strong enough to win.

"This cup is an important cup for us," he said.

"(But) this season we have only FA Cup and this cup to see the other players.

"For this reason tomorrow we can see probably some changes."

Defender Kurt Zouma played 45 minutes for Chelsea's development side on Monday and is likely to return to full training with Chelsea's first team on Thursday.

Branislav Ivanovic is back in training but Cesc Fabregas (thigh) remains out.