MATEO KOVACIC believes Zinedine Zidane and Frank Lampard are two of a kind as he enjoys the “best football of his career” at Chelsea.
The past three seasons have seen the Croatian operate under three different coaches with Maurizio Sarri taking charge of his first year in England.
And while things didn’t quite work out in Spain, Kovacic feels former midfield sensations Zidane and Lampard possess the same approach to management.
The 25-year-old told FourFourTwo: “Zidane was similar to the way Frank Lampard is as a coach, and their approaches really suit me.
“It was nice to play under Zidane, but I thought he could have given me a deserved opportunity in the third Champions League final.
“That was the main reason for my dissatisfaction, but thats football and we parted with no bad feelings.”
Since leaving Madrid for Chelsea, a move made permanent in the summer that he “didn’t think twice” about, the style of play at Stamford Bridge has changed drastically.
The highly-anticipated Sarriball methods of Lampard’s predecessor failed to impress the fans and club hierarchy.
Kovacic nonetheless rates Sarri as an “excellent” boss whose biggest problem was the difference he had in “mentality” against the Premier League’s ways – as well as his infamous boring training sessions.
But he also admits to having questions about the arrival of top-flight rookie coach Lampard.
He added: “When the club announced [Lampard] as their new coach, I wasnt sure what to expect.
“I came to Chelsea under Sarri, but I must say that Lampard is an exceptional manager. He has kept the character he had as a player in his personality as a coach, which has inspiredall of us.
“He commits himself with everything hes got. Training is always challenging and different from last season.
“Thats probably the main difference between Lampard and Sarri, who made the concept of training quite monotonous. There were a lot of similar training sessions with a focus on tactical preparation.
“I believe Frank has a bright future ahead of him, and if he gets enough time he can take Chelsea to many more successes.”
Kovacic feels the ex-England star has helped improve his game this season, resulting in an improved record of two goals and three assists.
The player noted:“This season, my game has just got the statistical confirmation in terms of extra goals and assists.
“Im definitely enjoying this season fully, though, because Im used to the club and more comfortable in London.
“I feel great at Chelsea and think Im now playing the best football of my career.”
Having to settle for a place off the bench versus Leicester on Saturday, the midfielder is competing with the likes of Ross Barkley and Mason Mount for game time.
Yet Lampard’s decision to hand down more responsibility to the players is helping to create a positive buzz around the club despite their iffy form.
Kovacic said: “I have to admit that Im really enjoying it so far. I play with the ball a lot more and have greater freedom of movement thats why.
“I think Ive put in some great performances this season.
“Last year I was tied to a specific area, which became a bit predictable for our opponents and therefore made it harder for me.
“Sarri didnt want long balls from defence when we were under pressure, which led us into some tough situations. Lampard, on the other hand, gives us more freedom to assess situations.”
To read the full interview with Mateo Kovacic, buy the new issue of FourFourTwo magazine which in the shops from Friday, February 7. Also in this months issue, can Jose Mourinho rediscover his magic at Spurs and win his third Champions League? Man Citys Benjamin Mendy talks Pep, Bielsa and Real Madrid and Andres Iniesta answers readers questions. To subscribe, go to: https://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/thesun/
