Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has described his managerial style as a blend of the intense approach of Jose Mourinho and the relaxed demeanor of Carlo Ancelotti. Eight years into his managerial career, Lampard cited both coaches, under whom he played at Chelsea, as significant influences.
Lampard noted that Mourinho was "very on you" and transmitted self-confidence, but also made players aware of his displeasure when they erred. In contrast, Ancelotti created a "chilled and calm" environment where players felt trusted. "So I try and take little snippets. I'm probably somewhere in the middle," Lampard told BBC Sport.
During his playing days, Lampard won Premier League and FA Cup titles with both Mourinho and Ancelotti at Chelsea. He explained that striking a balance between their distinct methods is crucial as he aims for further success with Coventry.
"I start to sometimes go towards being Jose, sometimes I go and be a bit more Carlo," Lampard said. He has learned that while it's sometimes tempting for new managers to immediately criticize poor performances or lateness, a more nuanced approach is often more effective.
"I've learnt that young managers, you come in and feel like you have to to criticise a bad performance or say something about an individual that turns up late. The more I've done this job, I realise that they're all humans," he added. "Sometimes a lad comes in late, you don't know the back story. And so trying to jump on him and being this hard man manager, you've got to be more Carlo. But then if you're a bit more relaxed sometimes and people are on the pitch, not doing their job, sometimes you've got a bit more Jose."
The Football Interview featuring Lampard will be broadcast on BBC One and available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.