Frank Lampard on Tottenham - Source: Getty
Frank Lampard on Tottenham - Source: Getty
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has praised Tottenham ahead of his visit to North London as the Coventry City manager. He refused to take a dig at Spurs, saying he needs to think as a manager now, and not as a player.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Lampard said he was keeping tabs on Tottenham ahead of their clash next weekend. He praised Roberto De Zerbi's squad and said it would be a tough match, despite the North London side's poor start to the season. He said:
“It’s time to keep our feet on the ground. We’ve got Tottenham away next. I watched them yesterday, and I didn’t like it. They’re a good team; they’re playing well with such a quality squad. It’s a tough one."
When host Sam Matterface tried to get a cheeky comment on Spurs from Lampard, the Chelsea legend quickly said it was a different situation. He stated that playing against them as a player is not the same as facing them as a manager, and said:
“Yeah, it’s a different era, different days. I’m not going to make any quips; I’m wise enough to know that it’s going to be a very tough football match. I’m a manager now, not a Chelsea player. Good old days.”
Frank Lampard played 41 matches against Tottenham in his career, winning 22 times and losing just 8. He scored 10 goals against Spurs and got 6 assists.
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was linked with Tottenham job
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was linked with the Tottenham job in the summer after his impressive run with Coventry City. The Englishman was also linked with Crystal Palace as they looked for a new manager, but he opted to stay with the newly promoted side.
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour claimed that Lampard would put aside his rivalry as a player with Spurs, and take the job if he found it right and said:
“It’s a job he couldn’t turn down. If someone went up to him and asked him to be the Tottenham manager, he’d have to take it. Even if they’re in a bit of dire straits at the moment.”
Spurs went on to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager, while Crystal Palace opted for Pierre Sage. The North London side still have not won a league match this season and sit in the relegation zone, while the Eagles sit 12th with seven points.