FRANK LAMPARD has given a “firm no” to ever bossing Tottenham – after fellow Chelsea legend Jose Mourinho took the job.
Stamford Bridge chief Lampard says London rivalry built up over 13 years playing for the Blues means he would not consider managing big neighbours Spurs and Arsenal.
Frank Lampard won the Premier League three times as a Chelsea player under Jose MourinhoCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Ex-Chelsea chief Frank Lampard is preparing for his first game as Spurs manager, at West Ham on Saturday afternoonCredit: Getty – Contributor
But Lamps insists he understands Mourinho’s decision because Tottenham will be the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid chief’s EIGHTH club as a manager.
Asked if he could take charge of Spurs one day, Lampard smiled and replied: “I can firmly say no. And you can replay that it ten years, or whenever you want! No, it wouldn’t happen.
But I think things are different. Jose Mourinho has worked for a lot of football clubs and you have to respect his right to work.
‘CLOSE TO MY HEART’
“On the other hand i was here for 13 years as a player, have an absolute deep feeling for the club, and I obviously went to Manchester City for a year at the end of my career.
But Chelsea is certainly very close to my heart. Hence why I’m so proud to manage this club.
“And hence why I wouldn’t manage Tottenham, and that’s no disrespect to Tottenham.”
As third-placed Chelsea prepare for Saturday evening’s trip to champions City, Lamps added: “I’ve got a lot of friends who are Tottenham fans and Arsenal fans etc.
“But sometimes there are feelings when you are in it about some things that you wouldn’t do.
“I’m not being disrespectful to the club, but just because of what Chelsea has given me over my time as a player and now. It’s not on my list!”
Chelsea will move four points clear of Pep Guardiola’s City if they win at the Eithad.
And Lampard claims he wants to emulate Guardila’s success – but must be patient.
He said of City: “The levels they have reached have been incredible.
“For us to be in that position, I am pleased with.
“But I want more. It’s not the end story, they are a strong outfit.
“I won’t make huge judgements on tomorrow, our story is three months in the making.”
Jose Mourinho meets Son and Tottenham players in first training session at the club
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
