This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has made it clear that he will never take charge of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, following the appointment of Jose Mourinho as their new boss.
Speaking to the press, Lampard stated, "I can firmly say 'no', and you can replay that again in 10 years. It wouldn't happen but I think things are different for me."
"I was here for 13 years as a player and have an absolutely deep feeling for a club. "Chelsea is certainly so close to my heart, hence why I am so proud to manage the club and why I wouldn't manage Tottenham. "That's no disrespect to anyone, it's just because of what Chelsea has given me over my time as a player and now, it's certainly not on my list." Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, who also managed Tottenham, expressed his reservations about Mourinho's appointment, calling it an "unusual marriage" between Mourinho and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. "They are two characters," Villas-Boas said. "I don't think it will work very well, but if a coach in the world can make Tottenham win, it is Jose, wherever he has gone he has won." Chelsea will face Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, with Christian Pulisic in contention to play after returning to full training following a groin problem.
