One-time hero gets the boot

Chelsea are set to appoint Thomas Tuchel as manager after Frank Lampard was sacked yesterday morning. The Blues progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 victory over Luton on Sunday, but that was not enough to save the Chelsea legend after only two wins in their last eight league games.

Confirmation of Lampard's departure came on Monday morning after the players were told not to report to the training ground until the afternoon. It is now widely reported that Chelsea will appoint former Borussia Dortmund and PSG boss Tuchel.

It was rumoured that the Blues were on the hunt for a manager who could speak German given the poor form of star buys Kai Havertz and Timo Werner and Tuchel, who comes from Bavaria, would meet that criteria. Owner Roman Abramovich is said to be keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel won the Ligue 1 title twice during his time with PSG and guided them to their first Champions League final, losing to Bayern Munich last season. He was sacked earlier this season and replaced by former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Lampard, who made 648 appearances for Chelsea in a playing spell spanning 14 years, returned to the club on a three-year deal in the summer of 2019, but departs 18 months into that contract.

"We are grateful to Frank for what he has achieved in his time as head coach. However, recent results and performances have not met the club's expectations, leaving the club mid-table without any clear path to sustained improvement," said Chelsea in a statement.”