Jose Mourinho says Frank Lampard could succeed him as Chelsea manager in the future, reports the Daily Mirror.

Lampard is set to come up against the club he left in the summer for the first time, when Chelsea travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City tomorrow.

Mourinho admits he was surprised Lampard opted to join the Premier League champions on loan, but says that shouldn't stop him succeeding him as boss in the future.

“I still believe that what this club proposed to him, which is to be back when he wants and to do what he wants - these were the words from Mr Abramovich - I think it’s not in any danger,” Mourinho said.

“It’s just a period of his career. We thought he was going to play for New York. He decided to play for City. It was just an option, and he had that right to do that. His place in Chelsea’s history is untouchable. I think, in the future, nothing has been lost. He can be back one day, I think so. If he wants to be a manager, he could succeed me.”

Mourinho has been busy creating a new look attacking Chelsea side since Lampard's departure, and the Portuguese coach says he believes owner Roman Abramovich is delight with their start to the season.

“When I watch television and I see him hugging his young kids after a Chelsea goal, it’s easy to understand it’s a moment of happiness,” said the Portuguese coach. “He’s enjoying it, obviously.

“My feeling is every Chelsea fan - and he’s not just a fan, but the owner - is happy. The team are playing well . The team are getting good results. The draw against Schalke is not a good result, but is not a dramatic result. The way the team plays, everything we are showing on the pitch not just our philosophy but the way the team faces the competition - everything is positive.”