On The Ball

Will the pupil outwit the master again when Lampard takes on Mourinho?

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard (left) and Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho (right). PHOTOS: REUTERS, EPA-EFE
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LONDON - What, Christian Eriksen wondered, was Frank Lampard really like? "Professional as a player," Jose Mourinho replied. "The best I've ever seen." The exchange, captured in the All Or Nothing documentary, was a reminder of how fundamental Mourinho and Lampard were to each other's success.

After taking the Chelsea job, Mourinho accosted a naked Lampard in the shower to tell him he was the world's best player. As Lampard accepted, he was not, but under Mourinho, he went on to finish second in the Ballon d'Or voting and score 60 goals in three seasons from midfield.

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