Conte delivered a defiant message before what is arguably a must-win game if the Blues are to stand a realistic chance of retaining the Premier League title.
He said: “Our mentality must be a winning mentality and we must think positive. We must be ready to fight.”
The returning Special One will probably get a warm reception at the Bridge today but Conte feels he is not getting all the credit he deserves for transforming Chelsea’s fortunes last season, having picked up the pieces after Mourinho’s sacking during the previous campaign.
Conte said: “Don’t forget that in the last few years we have lost a lot of important players – Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Ivanovic, Mikel and Matic.
“They were players who wrote history at this club. Now we are restarting to build something important.”
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Then came the no-nonsense observation that might well make Mourinho smart.
“Last season was a miracle because we had the same players who finished 10th the season before,” Conte said.
“Chelsea are used to winning the league in the past, but if it is a surprise when they do it means you are doing a miracle.”
Conte presents a strong case for the recognition he believes is his right.
“I think I earned my time here with the win of last season,” he said. “But now we are trying to build something important. It’s important to have the patience and then to have the time.”