Frank
Lampard insists the relationship between him and Jose Mourinho has always
been cordial but accepts their roles as managers of two of England's biggest
clubs has changed the dynamic between them.
Lampard enjoyed some of the greatest success of his illustrious career
during Mourinho's first spell as Chelsea manager, with the duo collecting
two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups in just over three
seasons together.
The current Chelsea boss ended his 13-year playing career at Stamford Bridge
in 2014 - one year after Mourinho returned to the club for a second spell in
charge - and they will meet again when Tottenham travel to Chelsea on
Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Both teams have enjoyed impressive starts to the season, with Spurs two
points above Chelsea in the Premier League table, and Lampard accepts that
managing clubs with such a strong historic and competitive rivalry has
affected his relationship with his former boss.
He said: "I left Chelsea in 2014 and my life went in different directions,
and when you are a professional generally you are so consumed and busy in
your life that the relationship changes.
"We were always very cordial. If I see Jose, if I talk about him or if we
send messages to each other, we've always had a good relationship.
"Naturally now, when we are managers of big clubs that are rivals, I think
it does change the relationship. Not in a bad way - I've got no problem with
him. We are very competitive people and we both want to do well.
"I think when I speak about Jose I always show how much respect I have for
him. I've always felt that back from him."
'Abramovich changed my career'
Spurs' visit to Stamford Bridge on Sunday will not only be a clash between
two of the country's most in-form sides, but will also mark the 1,000th
match Chelsea have played under the ownership of Roman Abramovich.
The Russian billionaire helped to transform English football when he bought
the club in 2003 and his investment in the playing squad and facilities has
helped Chelsea to win 16 major titles during his 17 years in west London.
Lampard has benefitted more than most from Abramovich's ownership, both as a
player and now as a head coach, and he says he is determined to repay the
support he has received from the 54-year-old.
"I certainly have always felt his support over the years, as a player when
he first came to the club and as the years have gone by - whether he is here
or not," said Lampard.
"I'm very thankful for him doing what he has done for the club because it
changed my career as a player. Now I am fortunate enough to be working at
this fantastic club as a manager.
"I remember the early days of the Roman Abramovich era and it maybe put a
lot of other fans' backs up that an owner came in, spent some money and we
became successful quickly. But I think you can see how we've sustained it
over a period of time.
"Some of the recent actions over Covid times have shown a big heart and
empathy from the owner, because it always comes from him. I've been proud to
be associated with the club through thick and thin.
"Last year, with the ban, was transitional, and I felt the support of the
club. Now we have invested and now we want to improve and that is my job as
head coach - to try and take that forward.
"I am genuinely very thankful for what Roman Abramovich has brought to the
club and my part of the deal is to do my absolute best to get us back
fighting for titles. The gap had opened, now we're working to try and close
it."
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