Lampard reacts to sacking as Chelsea close in on Thomas Tuchel

Frank Lampard TEAMtalk

Frank Lampard admitted his disappointment at not being given more time by Chelsea after the club sacked their record goalscorer as manager on Monday.

Club owner Roman Abramovic insisted the former midfielder’s status at the club was undiminished by the decision, which came after a run of five defeats in eight Premier League games.

With Chelsea ninth in the table and 11 points off leaders Manchester United after spending £220million in the summer, Abramovich brought Lampard’s time as manager to an end midway through a three-year deal.

It is understood that former PSG boss Thomas Tuchel is set to replace the 42-year-old.

Lampard issued a statement via the League Managers Association in which he described managing the club as a “huge privilege and an honour”, thanking the clubs’ fans who have largely remained staunchly behind him.

But Lampard added: “When I took on this role I understood the challenges that lay ahead in a difficult time for the football club.

 

“I am proud of the achievements that we made, and I am proud of the academy players that have made their step into the first team and performed so well. They are the future of the club.

“I am disappointed not to have had the time this season to take the club forward and bring it to the next level.”

Uncle Harry angry over Lampard axe

Harry Redknapp has said that Frank Lampard’s downfall at Chelsea may have come from having his influence over transfers restricted by the club’s bosses.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Lampard’s uncle Redknapp slammed Chelsea for their latest sacking. What’s more, he referenced how other Premier League bosses have survived criticism.

“It’s very disappointing to hear the news this morning,” the former manager said. “On the back of a good result, beating Luton in the FA Cup, I thought they’d give him a bit of time.

“I thought [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer was sure to go, no way he was going to survive, but Manchester United gave him a bit of time and suddenly they have a little run and turn it around.” Read more…