Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has explained how he congratulated Jose Mourinho on landing the Tottenham job.
His former boss, who he worked with on two separate occasions at Chelsea, was appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement on Wednesday morning after 11 months out of the game.
And speaking ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Manchester City, Lampard explained how he text Mourinho after his return to the Premier League was confirmed.
“We had a couple of messages to congratulate him on his new role,” he said.
“I think history and results speak for themselves.
“He has done that consistently. It’s what we measure him and us as managers.
“It keeps him off Sky Sports for a while! He has got a good team.
“They were a lot of people’s favourites to be in the race. [Mauricio] Pochettino did a great job.”
Tottenham are currently 12 points behind Chelsea in third place and 11 points behind Manchester City in fourth.
Yet Lampard is refusing to write them off in the race for Champions League football, claiming he is expecting a resurgence following Mourinho’s arrival.
“They have the structure there and will be a threat,” Lampard added.
“They are in the top four race. When you look at the quality.
“The strength that they have, [Harry] Kane and players like that.
Chelsea are yet to meet Tottenham this season, and will do so just before Christmas on December 22.
The contest could prove decisive in the formation of the top four and it’s a gave Spurs cannot afford to lose.
Mourinho marks his return to the dug-out on Saturday when Tottenham visit recent strugglers West Ham.