Lampard sought Mourinho’s advice as Coventry plan Premier League return

Frank Lampard has revealed that he contacted José Mourinho for advice on a player as Coventry City continue preparing for their return to the Premier League. The club are set to play in England’s top division for the first time since the 2000/01 season.

Lampard, who is leading Coventry’s recruitment, asked Mourinho about a footballer the Portuguese coach had previously worked with. The identity of that player has not been disclosed, but Mourinho eventually sent back a detailed assessment.

The Coventry manager said the discussion was not about a player connected with Real Madrid. Mourinho managed the Spanish club between 2010 and 2013, but Lampard’s enquiry concerned another player from the coach’s career.

Mourinho did not reply immediately, with Lampard indicating that it took a couple of days for the response to arrive. When it did, however, Lampard considered the information particularly useful as Coventry weigh up their options in the transfer market.

Coventry have already added Caleb Yirenkyi, Carl Rushworth, Sidiki Cherif, Taiwo Awoniyi and Loum Tchaouna to their squad. Further recruitment is still required, with Lampard working to assemble a group capable of competing against Premier League opposition during the club’s first top-flight campaign in more than two decades.