Frank Lampard hails atmosphere under Jose Mourinho

    FRANK LAMPARD insists that Chelsea can be top of the class again thanks to the return of Jose Mourinho.

    The Portuguese boss delivered six trophies at Stamford Bridge in his first spell in charge between 2004 and 2007. And Lampard says the Special One is here to work hard and clinch more success — not just to enjoy a family love-in with his old players.

    The Blues veteran gave another sterling performance in Mourinho’s first game back in charge against Hull on Sunday.He netted a superb 30-yard free-kick and was full of tireless running as Chelsea chalked up a 2-0 win.

    Lampard, 35, said: “We have a new manager and he is very demanding.“We are very aware of how he is and if there is a spring in my step it’s like having a new teacher at school and that can only be a good thing when you have 22 players all wanting to play in the team.

    “To be honest we have had that all pre-season. The first game of the season is always difficult. We were lucky to beat Hull on the first day of the season a couple of years ago. This has given us a boost.

    The long-serving midfielder says Mourinho still shows his human side, though, by joking: “We have cuddles at the training ground all the time.”

    Chelsea must now forget the ticker tape welcome and fanfare of the first game to prepare for tomorrow’s home clash with Aston Villa.Lampard said: “What matters now is we have to face an Aston Villa team which is a quick young team that has just beaten Arsenal, so we can’t rest on our laurels.

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