New York, March 22 (IANS) Former Chelsea skipper Frank Lampard believes that his ex-coach Jose Mourinho would rise to the challenge at Manchester United, should the London football club turn to him to revive their flagging fortunes.
The Portuguese has long been the front-runner to replace former mentor Louis van Gaal since ending his second spell at Chelsea in December with the Blues languishing in the bottom half of the table.
Lampard, who won two league titles and three domestic trophies in Mourinho’s first spell in charge at Chelsea between 2004 and 2007, is convinced that the unemployed coach would be a success at United should United decide to part company with van Gaal at the end of the 2015-16 season.
“I think Mourinho can manage anywhere in the world. I think he’s shown it with his record and whether it’s with Porto, a so-called smaller team in Europe; Chelsea, the success he had there; Inter, again taking a team that’s hardly won the Champions League to go and win it; Real Madrid,” Lampard was quoted as saying by goal.com on Monday when asked if Mourinho could help United return to their former glory.
“No job will be too much for him. Manchester United is not an easy job, similar with Antonio Conte with Chelsea — the Italian is expected to take over in the summer. But he certainly has the attributes to do it,” the New York City FC midfielder said.
Lampard’s former Chelsea and England teammate John Terry has been locked in a dispute over whether to extend his club contract, which is set to expire in June.
The 37-year-old said Terry’s talent and experience could be crucial in recovering from the disappointment of a season spent in mid-table obscurity.
“It’s a difficult one with John Terry. I think, for me, he’s been probably the best defender at Chelsea again this year. I think he’s a leader, he has a huge presence with the club,” Lampard concluded.
