Chelsea have plenty of issues to contend with at present with Conte’s squad light on numbers.
Mourinho’s claim that other managers “cry” about injuries while he does not got a reaction from his rival.
The Italian told Mourinho to focus on his own team after Chelsea’s 3-3 draw against Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday.
And ahead of tomorrow’s test against Watford at Stamford Bridge, Conte has hit out at Mourinho’s stupid attempts to wind him up.
The saga as a whole appears to be irritating him, with the media's interest surprising him too.
“I think these are stupid things,” Conte said.
“For me, this is a stupid subject. A stupid issue. It's fun to see your interest in this. I'm surprised about this, honestly.
“Regret? Why? I think every coach, every manager has to talk about his job, about himself, about his team, about his players. Not the other (team's players).
“My answer is always the same. Every coach must be focused on his own work. That's the best way.”
When pressed further on Mourinho, Conte added: ”You stay here to (*makes poking motion*) me? Someone pays you [to do this]?”
Chelsea need to bounce back against high-laying Watford tomorrow (12.30pm), following their 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Conte could be without the bulk of his options in the middle, though, with Cesc Fabregas potentially his only fit centre-mid.
Mourinho’s Manchester United, meanwhile, travel to Huddersfield tomorrow (3pm) and head into the game with a seven-point lead over Chelsea in the table.
