Lampard backing Ancelotti

21 July 2009 09:07
Frank Lampard believes new Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti will have no problems emerging from the shadow of Jose Mourinho. Mourinho enjoyed unparalleled success at Stamford Bridge in winning back-to-back Premier League titles after ending Chelsea's 50-year wait to be crowned champions. The Portuguese tactician also won the FA Cup and two League Cups during his time in England, although the UEFA Champions League trophy remained elusive. Ancelotti comes to Chelsea with an impressive CV and Lampard believes that, if the Italian can win the league or Champions League title, then he can emerge from Mourinho's shadow. "Jose was the man in charge during what was an amazing period in Chelsea's history and maybe only now we fully realise what a special time it was," said Lampard. "We hadn't won the league for 50 years. We had a team of very good individuals but we didn't win things. Confidence "He added some players but the most important thing was the confidence he instilled in us as a team. "It was that little bit of magic which rubbed off on the whole club. We all felt a lot stronger when he came in and we achieved together three years of success that is unequalled at Chelsea. "But I don't think Ancelotti will have any issue with stepping out of Mourinho's shadow whatsoever. Ancelotti has come to us having won the Champions League twice, and the Italian league. "He's worked at the highest level and is respected as being one of the top coaches in the world. I don't think it's fair to say he has anyone else's reputation to concern himself about. "If we can win the Premier League or the Champions League this year he'll have been a success in his own right and no one will be asking that question."

Source: SKY_Sports