Antonio Conte: 'Better for us' if Man United leave out Paul Pogba

Published on: 23 February 2018

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata tried his best to distract teammate Pedro while he was being interviewed after the Blues' 1-1 draw with Barcelona.

LONDON -- Antonio Conte admitted that it would be better for Chelsea if Jose Mourinho leaves Paul Pogba out of his Manchester United team when the two teams meet at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Mourinho made the surprise decision to select academy youngster Scott McTominay ahead of £89.3 million midfielder Pogba for United's goalless draw away with Sevilla in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday, amid reports that the pair have clashed over the Frenchman's form and best position on the pitch.

Conte said that he expects to see Pogba restored to United's starting XI on Sunday, adding that Mourinho will be playing into Chelsea's hands if the midfielder is left out again.

"We are talking about a top player, about a fantastic player," Conte said of Pogba. "My expectation is to see him on the pitch. Then if he stays out it will be better for us."

Asked how he got the best out of Pogba during his time at Juventus, Conte replied: "Every coach has to find the right way to manage him. Pogba is showing in United as well that he's a top player.

"[But] My focus is only for Chelsea, not the other team."

Liam is ESPN FC's Chelsea correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @Liam_Twomey.

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Source: espn.co.uk

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