Lampard, Mourinho’s private rhetoric exact opposite to public message, says Cole

Joe Cole believes Chelsea manager Frank Lampard and Spurs boss Jose Mourinho will be telling their players they can win the Premier League title this season.

Lampard and Mourinho played down their side’s hopes of landing the title after the two sides played out a tense 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Mourinho was especially dismissive of Tottenham’s hopes despite their return to the top of the table.

Yet speaking at a BT Sport event, former Chelsea midfielder Cole believes the comments offered up for public consumption by the two managers will strike a very different tone to what is being muttered in their dressing rooms.

“I’m sure what the managers say to their players behind closed doors is different to what they say to the media,” stated Cole. “Chelsea and Tottenham will be thinking this could be our year, but you have to stay focused as the Premier League can catch you out. Anyone can beat anyone in this league.

“This year is going be the tightest Premier League we have seen in a long time, with teams taking point off each other. Chelsea are taking points off Spurs, Spurs will take points off Liverpool, there are going to be a lot of teams in the mix.

“I think the team that wins the league title will do it with the lowest number of points we have seen in a long time and Chelsea and Spurs are right in the mix this time.”

Praise for Lampard

Cole also insisted his former Chelsea team-mate Lampard should be commended for the progress he has made at the club, as e conceded the pressure is now on for him to deliver trophies.

“It has been steady improvement since Frank took over,” added Cole. “The structure is in place now and improvements have been made to key areas, with the defence and the goalkeeper especially. I think Frank is in the place where he should be.

“You can’t hide away from the expectations. The owners will demand success and Frank knows that, but I think Chelsea will be there or thereabouts at the end of this season.

“I think he got the recruitment spot on and the results at the start of the season confirmed the new players just needed time to settle in. The goalkeeper has made a huge difference and it is just time now.

“We need to let this team simmer. They are one of the youngest squads in the league and they will just get better and better.”

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