Tuchel set to replace Lampard
LONDON — Frank Lampard has been sacked by Chelsea following a dismal slump in form that saw them sit ninth in the Premier League table.
The players were told not to come to the training ground until yesterday afternoon as Lampard becomes the 10th manager sacked during the Roman Abramovich era.
Confirmation of his sacking came just before 11:30am yesterday after the club took decisive action following a torrid run of five losses in eight league games.
Abramovich described Lampard as a “man of great integrity” in the statement confirming his dismissal but added: “Under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers” with the club in mid-table.
Sunday’s win over Luton Town to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup hasn’t proved enough to save the former midfielder from the chop.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel is in prime position to replace Lampard with talks at an advanced stage.
It will mean another pay-off for owner Abramovich with Lampard earning £4 million a year. His contract ran until 2022.
The club statement confirming the sacking read: “This has been a very difficult decision, and not one that the owner and the board have taken lightly.
“We are grateful to Frank for what he has achieved in his time as head coach of the club.
“However, recent results and performances have not met the club’s expectations, leaving the club mid-table without any clear path to sustained improvement.
“There can never be a good time to part ways with a club legend such as Frank, but after lengthy deliberation and consideration it was decided a change is needed now to give the club time to improve performances and results this season.”
Abramovich said: “This was a very difficult decision for the club, not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect for him.
“He is a man of great integrity and has the highest of work ethics. However, under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, the board and personally, I would like to thank Frank for his work as head coach and wish him every success in the future.
“He is an important icon of this great club and his status here remains undiminished. He will always be warmly welcomed back at Stamford Bridge.”
A dreadful run of league form has seen the Blues lose five of their last eight Premier League matches, leaving them well out of the title picture. The slump in form led to mounting pressure on Stamford Bridge favourite Lampard.
Lampard’s relationship with influential director Marina Granovskaia had deteriorated with one bone of contention the manager’s treatment of £72m goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was dropped for Edouard Mendy following a series of high-profile errors.