Why Mourinho Doesn’t Share A Drink With Lampard

No drinks on me: The pair met as managers when Lampard took his Derby side to Old Trafford last season

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has revealed he won’t share a drink with Chelsea boss Frank Lampard after Sunday’s crunch top-four clash between the sides.

Mourinho won three Premier League crowns across two spells at Stamford Bridge, with then Chelsea midfielder Lampard playing a key role in the Portuguese’ success in west London.

The pair have maintained a close relationship, and Lampard said on Friday he has “huge respect” for the 56-year-old but does not want to be a “clone” of him.

The Spurs boss said he would “always love” Lampard but revealed that a hug, rather than a post-match drink, was the only hospitality his opposite number could expect this weekend.

“I don’t think [we will have a drink] because our stadium is built in the way that our office is completely on the inside our private headquarters,” Mourinho said.

“Until now I didn’t invite any managers to go there and I don’t think I’ll do that with Frank. But a big hug before the game and another after the game, that’s for sure independent of results and who is happy.

“I think our feelings will be forever. I’ll always be grateful to him for what he gave me as a player. Nothing is going to change that. I love the guy, I will always love the guy. I hope he loses on Sunday.”

The pair met as managers when Lampard took his Derby side to Old Trafford last season, but this fixure will have added spice as Mourinho’s Spurs can leapfrog their London rivals with victory.