Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has revealed the influence that former manager Jose Mourinho has had on him ahead of the start of his career in the big-time.
Lampard worked with some of the best managers on the planet during his time as a player. That will have done him no harm as he looks to build an equally successful career in management.
There is little arguing that the best manager, and the one he will have learnt the most from, is Jose Mourinho, particularly during his first stint in charge of Chelsea.
Lampard recognises the influence that Mourinho had on him and will take those lessons with him as he begins his time as Chelsea head coach. He’s quoted by the Mirror saying:
“Even for good or bad, you take influence. And Jose Mourinho is an obvious case for me because he was the manager who dramatically changed my career.”
“He brought success to Chelsea, but also for me, personally, because my game went up a few notches. It was mainly about mentality – it was his confidence in me. I was quite within myself when he came, my self-belief wasn’t where it should have been.”
“And then in walks this fella with self-belief to burn and to pass on – and he did and I bought into it. He was certainly a great man-manager for me and also ahead of the game tactically. He made me think more than maybe I had done before he came.”
While everyone with any Chelsea affiliation is being linked with a return to the club, perhaps Lampard ought to get Jose on the phone and see if he wants a crack as being an assistant!
