Conte discusses his Chelsea future after gutsy win over Man Utd

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte made light of speculation over his position after condemning Jose Mourinho to another Stamford Bridge defeat.

Alvaro Morata’s second-half header proved the difference on Sunday afternoon as the Premier League champions secured a much-needed 1-0 win against Manchester United.

It was Mourinho’s third loss in as many visits to his old stomping ground as United boss and came after Conte had dropped Brazil defender David Luiz from the squad following last Tuesday’s chastening loss at Roma.

Conte provided an ambiguous answer when asked whether Luiz, who was replaced by Andreas Christensen, had a future immediately after the match.

“I don’t know,” the Italian told Sky Sports. “He has to work really hard otherwise they are on the bench or in the stand.”

Conte often begins answers with “yes”, “no” or “I don’t know”, but such responses tend to act as filler rather than actually addressing the question at hand.

Asked to clarify the Luiz remark in his post-match media conference, he said: “Are you talking about the future? But every day you put my future (in doubt).”

Conte insisted Luiz’s omission was “only a tactical decision”, the best for the team and praised Christensen.

“It’s normal,” Conte added. “This can happen to every one of my players, if I see that they are not in good form.”

Conte recently stated Luiz was his best defender.

“It can change,” the Blues boss said.

Conte’s position has been the subject of scrutiny after a mixed start to his second season as head coach.

He ran on to the pitch to celebrate at full-time, but insisted his reaction was down to the magnitude of the opponent.

“I was very happy because we beat a strong team like Manchester United,” he said.

“To have this type of performance and to see this spirit, for sure I’m pleased.

“We have to continue and to understand if there is this spirit, this enthusiasm, this passion, we can fight for something important.”