Former Manchester United player Paul Ince has claimed that Jose Mourinho has rattled Chelsea manager Antonio Conte after their recent spat.

The pair went head to head in press conferences and it appears as though the Portuguese boss may have ended it all as the winner.

Since the start of the year the Blues have played 10 times, winning twice, losing three times and drawing the remaining games.

It’s hardly been world class form from Conte’s men and many have attributed the decline in performances to his spat with Mourinho.

Ince appears to be on board with those who claim that Antonio has been shaken by what happened and that his players have since lost their faith in him.

According to The Sport Review, Paul said to Paddy Power: “Ever since Antonio Conte had that public argument with Jose Mourinho, he hasn’t been the same.

“He’s not seemed happy since that little spat and things have been going wrong for Chelsea ever since.

“Everyone at The Blues seems to have lost their focus, and it’s obvious that Mourinho rattled Conte, exactly as he set out to do.

“Since that war of words, the Italian has looked dejected and just exudes negativity.

“As a top-class manager, it shouldn’t matter what’s going on in the press, and the problems behind the scenes. You should be positive for the sake of the team.”

The issue all began when Jose claimed he no longer celebrates ‘like a clown’ on touchlines anymore because he’s a more mature and level headed manager.

The question was put forth to Antonio Conte that the comment was directed at him although United’s manager never made it clear that way.

Conte responded saying that Jose Mourinho must have amnesia amongst other unpleasant things and the former Real Madrid boss shot back by saying he has never and would never be suspended for match-fixing.

The Italian became enraged and called Mourinho a little man and once again said a few distasteful comments, calling on the Portuguese to face him on the pitch.

The whole situation seemed to have no effect on the Red Devils who played seven matches since the turn of the year, winning six and losing once to Tottenham.