Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has said that Frank Lampard will not get involved with any of Jose Mourinho’s mind games ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Tottenham.
The former Blues star also admitted few at Stamford Bridge will be happy to see their former manager at Tottenham, but he is looking forward to a reunion.
Mourinho won back to back Premier League titles in his first spell at Chelsea before returning in 2014 to win another Premier League title however his second spell ended in acrimonious circumstances with Mourinho getting sacked with the blues languishing in the relegation zone.
Mourinho is expected to have plenty to say ahead of another reunion with his former employers, but Nevin believes that Lampard will not engage in mind games something that Nevin believes Mourinho is a genius at.
“To be honest, very few of the Chelsea fans are absolutely delighted with the current detour on Jose’s personal journey and I will be intrigued to see and indeed hear how our fans react to his presence,” Nevin told the Blues’ official website.
“I think we all agree that we would have preferred him to choose just about any other team in the world but quite simply that is the business.
“As an ex-player, I can say that we are generally professional about it and for evidence just watch the respect in which Frank Lampard treats Jose.
“Due respect will be given but nothing more on the day. We put everything behind us and think of only one thing, how to win the match.
“If any player or coach forgets that and starts considering anything else such as personalities and history, there is a chance it could cloud your judgment and lead to mistakes.
“I am convinced Frank will be cold-hearted and clear during the 90 minutes, he has witnessed at first-hand what a genius Jose is at mind games and will not listen to anything in the build-up coming from north London.”
Chelsea has just two wins in their last seven games across all competitions, with only one of those – a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa – coming in the Premier League. With Mourinho’s Tottenham breathing down their necks in 5th place, Lampard will know that his side needs to get back to winning ways if they are to maintain their cushion.
