Gary Neville predicts grim exposure of Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea

Gary Neville believes Thomas Tuchel will go the same way as Frank Lampard after the Chelsea boss was unceremoniously axed on Monday.

Head coach Frank Lampard was sacked after a run of five defeats from eight Premier League games. A decision TEAMtalk understands was taken after the defeat to Leicester earlier this month.

Owner Roman Abramovich described the decision as “very difficult” and conceded it was a move not taken lightly by the club.

Lampard guided the Blues into the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday with a 3-1 win over Luton, but has paid the price for a poor run in the league after £220m was spent on new additions in the summer transfer window.

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.”

Lampard’s former England team-mate Gary Neville has given his verdict on Lampard’s sacking after 18 months at the helm.

Neville told Sky Sports News: “Frank has had a short amount of time with a new set of players. He was given a period under a transfer embargo, it shielded him, he did a great job in that period but the minute they spent the money they did, it was always going to bring more expectation and we know what happens at Chelsea when expectation comes.

“When you have one of the biggest budgets in the league and biggest spend, expectation comes with it and at Chelsea their approach to managers has been consistent and Frank knew that when he got the job.

“Frank won’t want people to feel sorry for him, he’ll have an understanding that he went into a club that has always been like this with managers. The results and inconsistent form has cost him. As a club legend we maybe all thought he’d get a bit more time.”

Asked if Lampard took the job too early, he added: “I don’t believe it was too early, he had no choice, it’s OK everyone saying pick and choose, maybe he wasn’t right, there was no way you turn it down if you’re Frank Lampard. He’s a better manager today than he was 17 months ago, I hope he’s able to go and build a brilliant managerial career.”

Former PSG boss Thomas Tuchel is widely expected to be the man to replace Lampard. The German coach is expected to arrive ion London in the next 48 hours, subject to a negative Covid-19 test, says David Ornstein.

Chelsea are understood to be hoping Tuchel can get the best from expensive summer signings Kai Havertz and Timo Werner.

Neville added: “I sit here with no feeling of sorrow for Frank, or that he’s done anything other than a good job. It’s Chelsea…Frank has been exposed to Chelsea releasing managers every 12 to 18 months if things don’t go as they want.

“I don’t have any great deal of worry for Frank’s career. Tuchel will be exposed to the exact same rules as Frank and we’ll be saying the same about him in 18 months, two years.”

Thiago Silva thanks Lampard

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva tweeted: “I would like to thank you for everything you and your committee have done for me since the day I arrived.

“As I told you, it seemed like we had been working together for 10 years!! Thank you very much for everything legend.”

Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips tweeted: “Gutted to see Lamps go! It was always going to take time for new players to bed in and adjust. I feel patience was needed, especially after working with no budget last year and doing such a great job.

“Ultimately football is a results business and short term success is also required. But the bigger picture for me is, Frank went through his first bad run and Chelsea are only 5 points behind 4th spot.. the season is all to play for!

“I know will bounce back from this and use this experience only as a positive. I absolutely loved my time at Chelsea and the fans were always so great towards me so I really do hope the club get the right appointment.”

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