LONDON -- Antonio Conte has urged Chelsea supporters not to get involved in any potential trouble surrounding the first derby to be held at West Ham's new London Stadium, and instead focus on backing the team on the pitch.
West Ham have announced increased security measures for the EFL Cup fifth round clash on Wednesday that includes body searches at the turnstiles, alcohol restrictions, postmatch segregation and a "robust policing plan" intended to minimize the possibility of crowd trouble.
Chelsea have issued their own appeal for supporters to refrain from "any form of offensive or discriminatory behaviour," advising those without tickets not to attend and warning that there are no pubs designated for away fans in Stratford.
"I always appreciate a lot the behaviour of our fans when we play away, because in every single moment they are always behind us," Conte said. "I remember when we were losing 2-0 against Leicester City after 20 minutes [in the EFL Cup fourth round] and they pushed a lot. This is very important tomorrow.
"When I watch English games I always see a fantastic atmosphere. I'm sure that tomorrow we will see this type of atmosphere. I like this. One reason that you want to work in England is for the atmosphere during the games. It's very special in this country. And for this reason I want to see this.
"[Chelsea fans] must think only this: to stay behind us and to push in every moment of the game. I want them to push the players to win, because I think if our fans want, we can play with 12 players."
Conte's passionate demeanour on the touchline has endeared him to many Chelsea supporters and become a theme of discussion during his first few months in English football, and the Italian insists he would not be able to change his behaviour even if he wanted to.
"My way to live the game is always the same," he added. "I like to play the game with my players. There are other coaches that leave the game in a different situation -- for example to sit. But for me it's impossible because I live the game with great emotion, with great passion.
"For this reason I have to play with my players, and I hope also to give sometimes the right behaviour, to suggest the right movements or the right positions to find a ball for a teammate, or if someone is not seeing this type of situation. I try to help my players during the game.
"In some situations they listen, in others maybe they don't. I live the game in this way, and for me it's very normal.
"I'll be honest -- sometimes I'd like to be a manager who sits, to stay calm, to enjoy the game. But it's very difficult for me. I want to play, I want to help my players, to stay close to them in every moment, and also to show them that I'm always with them -- in positive or negative moments, I'll stay there to support them. If we win or we lose, we are always together.
"If we win, I have probably 10 percent [chance] to sleep. If we lose, no probability to sleep. I finish the game exhausted, but I need this."