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Conte: Mourinho’s one of the best in the world

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Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho shake hands at the end of the English Premier League game between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London, Britain, 23 October 2016. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has regarded Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho as ‘one of the best in the world’.

With the Blues taking on United in a hotly anticipated FA Cup quarter-final tonight, Antonio Conte has spoken of his respect for Jose Mourinho.

This will be the second time the two coaches meet in a competitive fixture and the third time overall, having met earlier this season in the Premier League and in a friendly match against Inter while Conte was in charge of Bari.

The 47-year-old manager has heaped praise on the Portuguese manager for his influence and contributions during this two stints at Stamford Bridge.

‘For sure, he is one of the best in the world. I think that Jose Mourinho wrote a good part of the history of Chelsea. He won a lot with the players and he did a great job here,’ Conte told the Chelsea website.

‘It is important not to forget this and I have great respect for him because he is a winner and I like his winning mentality.

‘His history with Chelsea is great and I know very well he is in the hearts of the Chelsea fans and this is great because he deserves this. For sure, I hope in the future to try to emulate his wins here.’

The Italian manager has revealed that his team selection will consist of players that have the greatest chance of helping the Blues progress to the FA Cup semi-finals.

‘The FA Cup is a great competition and for this reason, I want to try to make the best decision for the game against United,’ he said.

‘We didn’t play in the week, our last game was Monday, and then we play again on Saturday. I don’t see the necessity to rest players and also because United will do the same against us.

‘This game is important for us and for them. I think their formation will be very good because I think that United, along with City, have the best squad in this league – with the number of players in the squad and the quality also.’

Chelsea against Manchester United kicks off at 21:45.