Lampard was inspired by meeting Guardiola before taking over as Coventry manager

Frank Lampard has revealed he was inspired by a meeting with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola before accepting the job as Coventry City manager.

Since taking over Coventry, Lampard has impressed everyone with his performance, with the team currently fifth in the Championship and striving to be promoted to the Premier League through the play-offs. The former Chelsea midfielder admitted that his conversation with Guardiola inspired him to return to the coaching bench and take over Coventry.

Lampard previously coached Derby County, Chelsea (twice) and Everton, but has been out of work since leaving in 2023. Now, his goal is to lead Coventry back to the Premier League for the first time since 2001, although the team is still 12 points behind fourth-placed Sunderland.

Asked in an interview with The Athletic if he had spoken to other managers, Lampard said: “Yeah, I’ve had a few dinners with different managers, different teams.

"These are great opportunities to exchange ideas and talk football. I went to visit Thomas Frank at Brentford and he was very open and funny.

"About a month before taking over Coventry, I went to Manchester City to interview Rodrigo and had the opportunity to meet Guardiola face to face for 45 minutes, which was a very beneficial conversation for me. Before I started coaching, I went to Manchester City for a few days and their training shocked me. I was deeply touched by the way Guardiola interacted with the players on the training ground - this is exactly what I want to be like. I hope to find my own way to get close to the players and participate in every detail."

Coventry will face Stoke City this weekend, who are currently ranked 19th in the Championship.