Lampard doesn't want to be seen as a Mourinho 'clone'
London: Frank Lampard insists he doesn't want to emulate Jose Mourinho's unique style as the Chelsea manager plots to out-wit his old boss in Sunday's crucial clash at Tottenham.
Lampard's first Premier League meeting with Mourinho is the headline act in a fascinating derby that will determine which of the London rivals spends Christmas Day in the top four.
Spurs manager Mourinho played a key role in Lampard's emergence as one of Chelsea's all-time greats during their time together at Stamford Bridge.
Yet while Mourinho's managerial credentials are well established after winning a host of trophies during his glittering 19-year career, Lampard is still carving out a name for himself in the coaching world.
The former England midfielder is in just his second season as a manager after leaving Championship side Derby to take charge at Chelsea in July.
Lampard acknowledges Mourinho was a big influence on him as a player but, now he is in the dug-out, he will follow his own path rather than copy the Portuguese coach.
Asked to name the most important lesson he took from working with Mourinho, Lampard said: "There's not one thing, no; he's obviously a good manager with loads of good attributes.
"But there's not one specific thing I learned working under him, and I wouldn't strive to be a clone or anything.
"I'm happy to go up against Jose; for me to play under him, he was a big influence in my career." Lampard and Mourinho remain on good terms from their Chelsea days -- the Tottenham manager promising a "big hug" when they meet before kick-off and talking of his "love" for the 41-year-old.
But that didn't stop the student admitting beating his old teacher in such an important game would be a memorable moment.
- 'Every point is crucial' -
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Chelsea were 12 points ahead of Tottenham when Mourinho replaced the sacked Mauricio Pochettino in November.
