Chelsea sack Lampard LIVE: Abramovich issues statement as Thomas Tuchel to be appointed new manager
Frank Lampard has been sacked by Chelsea and is set to be replaced by the former PSG manager Thomas Tuchel
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Chelsea have sacked head coach Frank Lampard today, with former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel set to replace him.
Chelsea defeated Luton Town 3-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday thanks to a Tammy Abraham hat-trick, but it appears that result has not relieved the pressure on Lampard, whose side have underwhelmed in the Premier League this season despite the club having spent £222m on transfers last summer. The Blues brought in striker Timo Werner, midfielders Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech, defenders Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva, as well as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, but sit ninth in the top-flight table on 29 points – 11 behind leaders Manchester United at the exact midway point of their Premier League campaign.
Former Chelsea midfielder Lampard was appointed head coach at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2019/20 season following a term as manager at championship side Derby, a role that marked the first senior coaching role of his career. And the 42-year-old’s inexperience at the top level has told this season. Follow live updates below as the news emerges.
LAMPARD SACKED: HOW IT HAPPENED
Frank Lampard was dismissed as Chelsea manager on Monday morning after a run of results that sees the Blues with just two wins in eight league games. Yet, trouble had been brewing behind the scenes and time ran out for the Chelsea legend. Here’s the story of why Frank Lampard was sacked:
The inside story on how Chelsea made the decision to sack Lampard
Certain players and higher-ups had their problems with the former Blues midfielder’s approach, and it all came to a head with Lampard’s sacking on Monday
Frank Lampard relied heavily on Chelsea’s academy talent during his time at Stamford Bridge. No other Premier League manager put as much emphasis on players aged 21 or under during Lampard’s time at Chelsea.
LAMPARD AT CHELSEA
During his 18 months in charge of the Blues, Frank Lampard achieved some small successes.
In his first season in charge he led Chelsea to fourth in the Premier League, securing Champions League football for another year despite a transfer ban.
He also reached the 2020 FA Cup final but lost 2-1 to Arsenal at Wembley.
This season, Chelsea qualified for the Champions League last-16 with an unbeaten run through the group stages and progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup with victory over Luton Town yesterday.
However, they are 11 points off the top of the Premier League and having spent over £220million in the summer those results were deemed not good enough.
TUCHEL HAS TOUGH TASK AT CHELSEA
Chelsea sacked Lampard because they couldn’t see anyway in which he could improve results for the side. Instead they’re turning to Thomas Tuchel to lead them into next season’s Champions League. Can he do it?
Thomas Tuchel must be more than just a football brain to succeed in the Premier League
The German is set to succeed Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager – can he handle the demands?
JAMES PAYS TRIBUTE TO LAMPARD
The player tributes to Frank Lampard keep rolling in with Reece James the most recent Chelsea player to take to Instagram. He said:
'As a Chelsea Fan growing up I’ve always looked up to you, idolised you. I can’t explain what it’s been like to play under you, the whole journey has been surreal.
I cannot thank you enough for putting your trust into me and giving me the opportunity to play for my boyhood club!
Thank you so much for all you have taught me, which I will continue to use throughout the rest of my career.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live my dream! I’ll forever be thankful 💙'
ABRAHAM THANKS LAMPARD
Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham has taken to Instagram to thank departing manager Frank Lampard.
Lampard gave Abraham his first start at Chelsea and the Blues striker was the leading goalscorer during Lampard’s tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Abraham posted a picture of himself and Lampard with the caption: ‘A role model, a mentor & a great manager. Thank you Gaffer 💙’
‘LAMPARD WILL BE BACK SOON’
Brighton boss Graham Potter says it’s sad whenever a colleague loses their job but it’s a part of football. He praised Frank Lampard for having the courage to step into management and believes he will be back soon. Potter said:
It’s sad to see a colleague and somebody I respect a lot lose their job, that’s clear. It is part of football, it’s not for us to say what football clubs should and shouldn’t do. You understand when you’re at this level that if results aren’t to people’s liking, then somebody has to act. It’s part of life.
"Frank Lampard is somebody I respect a lot, he was a top player and he has taken the step into coaching and management, it’s an uncomfortable step, but he’s had the courage to do it. He’s one of those people that tries to learn from his experiences and I am sure that he will do that. I am sure we will see him back in football soon. As with anybody in football, I wish Thomas Tuchel well if he replaces him."
THIAGO SILVA PAYS TRIBUTE TO LAMPARD
Thiago Silva breaks Chelsea players’ silence over Frank Lampard’s sacking
Lampard signed Thiago Silva on a free transfer in the summer
TUCHEL MAY NOT BE READY TO FACE WOLVES
Thomas Tuchel will be the new Chelsea manager but has to undergo a coronavirus test before he can take charge of the Blues.
The club hope Tuchel will be in place for the Wolves game on Wednesday but that is in doubt due to Covid-19 protocols.
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