The former Chelsea manager has been strongly tipped to return to Stamford Bridge, after nearly six years since his ill-mannered departure, in order to replace the outbound Rafael Benitez. The 50-year-old is currently the manager at Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid, and he is set to be the 11th manager appointed in Abramovich’s era.
David Moyes and Jose Mourinho were regarded as favourites for the Chelsea job, but it seems only a matter of time before the Blues confirm the appointment of Mourinho, since Moyes has agreed to become the new Manchester United manager.
Mourinho’s relationship with Madrid President Perez is not ideal, being a crucial factor for him wanting to leave the Bernabeu. He has never hidden his desire to return to the Premier League, and a move to Chelsea is reportedly on the cards this summer.
Lampard worked under Mourinho during his three-year trophy-laden spell at the Bridge and won two Premier League medals, two League Cups and 1 FA Cup under his tutelage. The 34-year-old was delighted to hear rumours linking Mourinho with the Chelsea post, and admitted that he is one of the best managers in world football.
According to SkySports, Lampard said, “I think it would be a great thing for the club. He is a successful manager and he would be a great thing for any club. It’s hard to comment with the season still ongoing and with the manager not here or chosen yet. It would be easy to speculate.”
He added, “I have seen speculation before and a completely different manager walks through the door so you never know on that front. But he is certainly one of the greatest, if not the greatest, manager in world football.”
If Mourinho does indeed return, he will surely hand the England international at least a one-year rolling contract, as Lampard played a pivotal role in Mourinho’s success during his first spell as Chelsea manager.
The midfielder’s contract expires at the end of the season, and it seems that he will be solely dependent on the arrival of Mourinho, so as to further his career with the Blues.
On being probed about his contract situation in case Mourinho arrives, he said, “I honestly don’t know. We have got two weeks that will decide whether our season has been a successful one or not. That is the main focus. Of course Jose Mourinho would be a great manager for any club to have but I don’t think it is right to talk about him while he is still Real Madrid manager.”
Given the performance delivered by Lampard on Saturday against Villa where he almost single handedly won the game for Chelsea and secured Champions League football for his club he will surely be offered a new deal regardless of whether Mourinho is announced as the new manager but we can never be sure where Mr Abramovich is concerned.