Football
Adriana Garcia 7y

Antonio Conte defended by Chelsea's Pedro after Jose Mourinho exchange

Chelsea forward Pedro has backed coach Antonio Conte after he was reportedly accused by Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho of being disrespectful following the Italian's celebrations during his team's 4-0 triumph over the Red Devils on Sunday.

According to Sky Italia, Mourinho, who was returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time since being dismissed last December, complained that Conte was too jubilant after N'Golo Kante scored Chelsea's fourth goal.

Pedro told Spanish radio Cadena Ser: "Mourinho's reaction was out of context. Conte was not making humiliating gestures or jeering.

"He was only cheering on the fans because we had played a great game and he wanted the supporters to sing in order to help us finish the game in the best possible way.

"I don't know if Mou [Mourinho] considered it a lack of respect or a provocation but that was not Conte's intention.

"Conte just wanted to thank the fans for the support. The fans were incredible.

"There was a touchline spat between the two coaches at the end of the game but I reiterate that there was no bad intention from Conte."

Pedro, who joined the Blues in the summer of 2015 from Barcelona and worked under Mourinho last year, did not give too much importance to the exchange between the two bosses.

"We all know how Mou [Mourinho] is and the comments he makes," Pedro said. "But he is a great coach and I can attest to that. "Perhaps the defeat was tough on him."

Pedro was thrilled to score his first goal of the season on Sunday, netting after 30 seconds at Stamford Bridfe.

"It was special for me," the 29-year-old said. "It was my 50th appearance for Chelsea and I hadn't scored in a long time. To rediscover my goal-scoring touch gives me a lot of confidence."

Pedro was also excited by the comprehensive nature of the triumph.

"It's never easy to win in the Premier league by such a big margin," the Spaniard said. "We knew it was going to be a very difficult game against a Manchester United side that has great players."

Pedro, who has started three Premier League games for Chelsea this season, has praised the work done by Conte following his arrival in England this summer.

Chelsea are on a three-game winning streak and have kept three successive clean sheets.

The 2014-15 Premier League champions -- a title won with Mourinho in charge -- are one point behind league leaders Manchester City, who are ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool on goal difference.

"Conte has very clear ideas of play," Pedro said. "We struggled at the beginning with his tactics but now we are getting it.

"This is the path to follow. To show our best version and go game after game to take wins."

After finishing 10th in the Premier League with Chelsea last season, Pedro said: "It's clear one of our main aims is to win the Premier League and if not, to finish in the top three.

"All the players want to do a great job and after last season, get the team again in the top positions."

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