Antonio Conte Hopes to 'Emulate' Jose Mourinho's Success as Chelsea Manager

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has revealed his desire to replicate Jose Mourinho's success at Stamford Bridge.

Per Sky Sports' Allan Valente, he said: "For sure, I hope in the future to try to emulate his wins here. I know very well he's in the heart of Chelsea's fans. It's great this because he deserves this."

The Italian laid further praise at Mourinho's door:

"

I think Jose Mourinho wrote a good part of the history of Chelsea. It's important, always, not to forget this. I have great respect for him because he's a winner. I like his mentality. He has a winning mentality.

For sure, he's one of the best in the world and, here, he did a great job. I think every single fan must respect him.

"

The Special One won three Premier League titles with Chelsea in two spells at the club, as well as lifting the League Cup three times and the FA Cup once, making him the most successful manager in their history.

Conte appears set to win the league in his first year in charge at Stamford Bridge with his side 10 points clear at the top of the table, and the FA Cup is also firmly within reach.

Should the Blues beat Mourinho's Manchester United on Monday, they'll be in the semi-finals of the competition.

The manager isn't taking anything for granted or about to enter a war of words with Mourinho, though, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

According to the Press Association (h/t ESPN FC), Mourinho said Conte's Chelsea are in a "position of privilege" because they've not had to worry about competing in Europe this year—for which the Portuguese boss is responsible after failing to arrest their decline last season, leading to his sacking.

The United boss was unhappy with Conte after Chelsea beat the Red Devils 4-0 at Stamford Bridge in October, accusing his counterpart of "humiliating" him by geeing up the crowd, per The Mirror's John Cross.

Conte and Mourinho evidently have different styles of dealing with the press, but a trait they unquestionably share is their desire to win.

The former Italy and Juventus manager will almost certainly lift the title this season, and his Blues side look set to challenge for the title for years to come, while they might also be a force to be reckoned with in the UEFA Champions League next year.

As such, if given time, Conte could well go on to achieve his goal of emulating Mourinho at the club.