Jose Mourinho told Frank Lampard he is a manager with ‘great potential’ after Derby beat Manchester United in the Carabao Cup
Mourinho recorded a special message as Lampard was inducted into the Legends of Football Hall of Fame
JOSE MOURINHO reveals he told Frank Lampard he has the potential to become a great football manager.
Manchester United were surprisingly dumped out of the Carabao Cup as they were beaten on penalties by Championship side Derby following a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last week.
It was a famous win for Lampard against the man under whom he won two of his three Prem titles at Chelsea.
And the Special One, a two-time Champions League winner, told the 40-year-old after that match he has a special career ahead.
Mourinho, 55, said: “Obviously, it’s time for you Frank to think about your next career.
“As I told you at Old Trafford, only a manager with great potential can organise a team to play that way.
“I knew you were desperate to beat me. And you did. Though it was 2-2 after 90 minutes. You know what I feel for you.”
Mourinho was speaking in a special tribute video on Monday night as Lampard was inducted into the Legends of Football Hall of Fame in aid of music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins.
The likes of Sir Stanley Matthews, Brian Clough, Sir Bobby Robson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Alan Shearer, Eric Cantona and David Beckham have all received the same honour.
The United boss paid tribute to the former England and Chelsea midfielder, saying his late mum Pat would be proud of the man he has become.
Mourinho added: “I never hide the fact Frank Lampard was not just for me one of my best players ever, but more importantly than that, he was one of the best professionals.
“I think you have to be proud of everything you did. Your father and wife will feel the same.
“And I know because we were close to each other at the moment, you mum will be laughing at this (the Award) because she was the first to know the person and professional you are.”
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba claims Lampard’s professionalism and attitude behind-the-scenes turned him into a better player.
And Drogba, 40, who plays for American club Phoenix Rising, even joked he might finish his career at Pride Park.
Drogba said: “You know what kind of player I became and you are also responsible for that.
“We trained every day and practiced, with goalkeepers, days after days, trying to improve.
“I think I became a better player with you. The way you challenged and pushed me to be the best like you are.
“What I want to highlight is, as a man, you are someone I’d go to war with.
“I like the way you are, the principles and values you share with your family and teammates and clubs where you played. You’re a true gentleman.
“Good luck in your new career as a new manager. I’m following you. Good results. And who knows maybe I will finish my career there.”
Lampard spent the 2014-15 with Manchester City, scoring 12 goals in 19 Premier League games.
City skipper Vincent Kompany says he has been using Lampard as his role model since turning 30.