“[Mourinho] is a manager who was hugely influential on my career twice – but particularly the first time around
Frank Lampard is looking forward to facing “hugely influential” former boss Jose Mourinho for the first time as a manager when his Derby side travel to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday.
Mourinho managed Lampard during two spells at Chelsea, winning two Premier Leagues and an FA Cup together.
“It will be nice to see him and go up against one of his teams,” said ex-midfielder Lampard.
“We have to give everything.”
Lampard signed for Chelsea in 2001 and spent 13 years at the club, while Portuguese Mourinho was in charge at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2007, and then again between 2013 and 2015.
The 40-year-old former England international took his first managerial role at Derby in the summer. His side are sixth in the Championship going into Tuesday’s 20:00 BST kick-off at United, who are seventh in the Premier League.
“[Mourinho] is a manager who was hugely influential on my career twice – but particularly the first time around,” added Lampard.
“I respect him completely for that. You will find Jose Mourinho’s players being managers all over the place because he has been so successful in his career.
“They’re expected to win, quite rightly so with the squad they’ve amassed there. It’s a challenge for us and we want to go there and do as well as we can.” added.
Meanwhile, Mourinho says he enjoys the pressure and the uncertainty of cup football.
“I like the feeling of the knockout,” said the 55-year-old. “You win, you are in the competition; you lose, you are out. I like that pressure and honestly I think fans also like it.
“In this moment, you don’t even have the possibility of playing 30 more minutes after a draw – you go straight to a penalty shootout, which obviously is a 50/50 situation.
“So there is a better chance for the teams not considered favourites, which brings more possibility of killing giants.”
For the hosts, Ander Herrera could return from an ankle injury to start.
Fellow midfielder Nemanja Matic could also feature, but forward Marcus Rashford remains suspended and defender Marcos Rojo is out with a knee injury.
Derby captain Curtis Davies remains absent with a hamstring injury and fellow centre-back George Evans is out with a knee problem.
Forward Tom Lawrence will also serve the last of his three-match suspension.
