Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says that the relationship between him and his former boss Jose Mourinho has changed, stating that “we are managers of big clubs that are rivals, I think it does change the relationship.”

Lampard enjoyed some of the greatest success of his illustrious career during Mourinho’s first spell as Chelsea manager, with the duo collecting two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups in just over three seasons together.

Both teams have enjoyed impressive starts to the season, with Spurs two points above Chelsea in the Premier League table, and Lampard accepts that managing clubs with such a strong historic and competitive rivalry has affected his relationship with his former boss.

He said: “I left Chelsea in 2014 and my life went in different directions, and when you are a professional generally you are so consumed and busy in your life that the relationship changes.

“We were always very cordial. If I see Jose, if I talk about him or if we send messages to each other, we’ve always had a good relationship.

“Naturally now, when we are managers of big clubs that are rivals, I think it does change the relationship. Not in a bad way – I’ve got no problem with him. We are very competitive people and we both want to do well.

“I think when I speak about Jose I always show how much respect I have for him. I’ve always felt that back from him.”