Antonio
Conte feels Chelsea are still feeling something of a hangover from their
disappointing 2015-16 Premier League campaign.
Conte took over from Guus Hiddink over the summer and believes the
deterioration that started under Jose Mourinho - his next managerial
opponent on Sunday - is yet to be overcome.
Chelsea finished 10th last season, missing out on European competition
completely, but things are slightly better in terms of position this season
with the Blues sitting in fifth, three points off the top, ahead of
Manchester United's high-profile visit to Stamford Bridge.
He said: "When there are these types of season - very bad, because we
finished 10th in the table - it's normal that something remains in the
players. In their minds. In their heads.
"It won't be easy to cancel a bad season like last season."
Mourinho's second spell in charge of the club ended in acrimony, with a
section of supporters blaming Chelsea's players for his departure.
But Conte has been keen to keep the subject of Mourinho away from the squad,
as much as he could, ahead of the Portuguese's much-anticipated return to
the club he led to the Premier League title on three occasions.
He added: "I didn't talk with my players about Jose Mourinho.
"For us, what is important is Manchester United and playing against a team,
not against Jose Mourinho.
"When you have a lot of time with a man and you won a lot with him, you love
this man. You love this person for the relationship that you were able to
create in this time.
"I think the players want to win, but have great respect for him."
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