Tuesday 25 October 2016 12:36, UK
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he has no problems with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte's touchline behaviour, ahead of their Wednesday night EFL Cup showdown.
The issue was raised after Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho appeared to be irritated by Conte's attempts to whip up the home crowd on Sunday, with his Chelsea side already 4-0 up at Stamford Bridge.
In the aftermath of the match, the Italian media reported that Mourinho felt Conte's actions were "humiliating for us".
But Bilic does not agree with that interpretation and says Conte's touchline demeanour is not something he takes issue with.
"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."
Wednesday's match will be the first local derby at the London Stadium and a 'robust' policing plan is in place, in light of possible animosity between the rival fans.
Previous Hammers home games have been marred by disturbances in the stands but Bilic is keen to focus upon matters that take place on the pitch.
"It's a cup game, a derby against Chelsea, so yes it's a big game, a big occasion," he added.
"The message to the fans is just to get behind us, because we are feeling them in every game and we want them to be our 12th player.
"Hopefully, the problems are gone. I'm getting fed up with answering those questions week in, week out.
"All we can do is try to play good football and win games. That also helps the atmosphere. It's all we can do."
