Frank Lampard has named Jose Mourinho as one of his biggest influences. Their styles of football may be very different, but in terms of their man management, there’s a lot in common.
In quotes carried by Sky Sports, the Chelsea boss admitted that his former manager, who arrived at Stamford Bridge not long after Lampard himself and shaped him as a player, had also been a major factor in shaping him as a coach too.
“I’ve been influenced by all the managers I’ve played under but probably Jose (Mourinho) as much, if not more, than anyone else,” Lampard was quoted as saying.
“He was the one at the point of my career when my performances and mind set got better, giving me a lot of confidence within the team,” he went on.
It seems like he’s taken a lot of those lessons to heart. It’s interesting to hear the serious tones that the naturally affable Lampard uses when speaking about player. He furrows his brow and focuses on the negatives above all, before giving praise out generously where he feels it’s deserved.
For Blues fans who keenly remember the early days of Jose Mourinho at the club, there is a very familiar element to it all.
In fact, we probably wouldn’t have needed Frank to explain that to us at all. It’s all so clear now.
