Antonio Conte's aggression is good - West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic insists he has no problem with Antonio Conte's touchline antics.
Jose Mourinho took exception to Conte trying to whip up the home crowd when Chelsea were 4-0 up against Manchester United on Sunday.
Reports in Italian media claimed the United chief told Conte: "You don't celebrate like that at 4-0, you can do it at 1-0, otherwise it's humiliating for us."
But Bilic, who will be on the touchline alongside Conte when West Ham host Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening, defended the Blues manager's actions.
"I know what Jose thought of that, but I don't think that's the reason Conte did it, to humiliate United," said Bilic.
"He just wanted the crowd to praise the team because they were winning, and for what they had done in the game.
"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."
Conte has again defended his touchline conduct, demanding he should be shown the same respect he has always shown others after Mourinho's apparent disapproval.
Conte insisted he had moved on as Sunday's win is now in the past.
But he made a pointed remark, which may have left Mourinho with his ears burning.
"I think that everyone must show respect for me, for my work, for my job," Conte said.
"In every game I show myself. Not here, only one game. I have a history and you can see my history, my past and my behaviours on the bench.
"I'm a passionate man, I show this in the past (and) now. I want to stay very close to my players, also to play with them, to help.
"I always show respect for the opponent, for the other teams, for the other club and my history speaks for me."
Conte is looking forward to playing at the London Stadium, with its vast technical areas comparing favourably to Stamford Bridge's small space for a man who kicks every ball and bellows to his players from the touchline.
Conte, still hoarse following Sunday's win over United, was asked whether his behaviour could antagonise opposition fans.
The former Juventus boss preferred to focus on the positive atmosphere, rather than the potential for trouble in the derby with the Hammers.
He added: "I know that these two teams are big rivals, but in England it's fantastic the atmosphere during the game, during a match and I hope to see this tomorrow.
"If I have to compare the technical area to Stamford Bridge, I'm happy.
"For me it's very difficult. I have to ask my club to try to change the technical area. My area and also for the other coach."
Captain John Terry was an unused substitute in the wins over Leicester and United, but could start for the first time in six weeks following an ankle injury as Conte prepares to rotate his options.
Source: PAR
