Conte conduct no bother to Bilic

LONDON: West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has said he has no qualms over the touchline antics of Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.

Jose Mourinho was unimpressed when Conte called for greater support from the home crowd when Chelsea were 4-0 up against Manchester United on Sunday.

Reports in the Italian media suggested United manager Mourinho had told Conte his conduct risked “humiliating” the visitors at Stamford Bridge.

But Bilic, who will be on the touchline alongside Conte when West Ham face London rivals Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, said: “I know what Jose thought of that, but I don’t think that’s the reason Conte did it, to humiliate United.

“He just wanted the crowd to praise the team because they were winning, and for what they had done in the game,” he added. “From my point of view I don’t think he wanted to humiliate United.

“On the touchline many managers just sit and watch the game, others are like they are playing. You have to be yourself.

“During that game I saw nothing wrong from Conte or nothing he hasn’t done since he started. It was typical Conte, aggressive, but in a good way.”

Concerns have been raised ahead of Wednesday’s game about the risks of crowd trouble in the London Stadium in what will be the first capital derby at the ground.

There is a history of animosity between some sections of the two clubs’ support, while recent crowd trouble at West Ham’s home matches this season has also led to safety fears.

“It’s a cup game, a derby against Chelsea, so yes it’s a big game, a big occasion,” said Bilic.

“The message to the fans is just to get behind us, because we are feeling them in every game and we want them to be our 12th player.

“Hopefully the problems are gone. I’m getting fed up with answering those questions week in, week out.

“All we can do is try to play good football and win games. That also helps the atmosphere. It’s all we can do,” he added.