“I had one fight” – Jose Mourinho shares the one thing he fell out with Frank Lampard about at Chelsea
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a candid moment on the Obi One podcast, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho peeled back the curtain on the solitary disagreement he had with club legend Frank Lampard during their time together at Stamford Bridge. Contrary to the image of a harmonious partnership, Mourinho disclosed that the only discord between them revolved around Lampard’s desire to play in a crucial game against Manchester City.
Mourinho, an unabashed admirer of Lampard, hailed him as one of his favorite players across various clubs he has managed. Lampard’s consistent performance and unwavering commitment to the team endeared him to Mourinho, making him a key figure in Chelsea’s history.
The revelation sheds light on an underrated aspect of Lampard’s contributions – his remarkable availability for the Blues. Lampard holds the record for the most consecutive starts in Premier League history, an impressive feat underscored by his 164 consecutive appearances.
The singular rift between Mourinho and Lampard unfolded during a clash with Manchester City in 2005. Mourinho recounted, “Frank [Lampard] was the perfect professional. I had one fight with Frank – he wanted to keep beating his records of consecutive matches. We went to Man City, he had a 40-degree fever, and he still wanted to play to keep that record.”
While the disagreement may pale in comparison to other player-manager clashes in the football world, it provides a glimpse into Lampard’s unyielding commitment and Mourinho’s recognition of the midfielder’s relentless pursuit of excellence. As Chelsea continues to evolve, the legacy of Lampard’s dedication remains an indelible part of the club’s narrative.
