After just 18 months at the helm in Stamford Bridge, the club has decided to part ways with former Chelsea legend and manager Frank Lampard.
According to the official statement by Chelsea, the decision to relieve the manager of his services has been a ‘very difficult decision’ and one the owner and the board have not taken lightly. The club pointed out the recent results and performances have not met the expectations set.
As the statement pointed out, there could never be a good time to part ways with a club legend such as Frank.
Following five defeats in the last eight games, one could have foreseen Lampard’s future at the club for quite some time now. While his team’s performances have been positive in the Champions League and FA Cup, the results in the Premier League have proved to be the total opposite. Chelsea currently sit in the 9th place, having secured 29 points after 19 match days.
Chelsea owner Roman 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.”
After spending close to €300m euros in the transfer window and gaining the services of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz, Chelsea would have expected more than what Lampard has delivered till date in the top flight – post a top-four finish last season.
There has been no official statement as to who the next head coach will be. Concrete reports suggest former Borussia Dortmund and PSG manager Thomas Tuchel to take charge next, but confirmation is still awaited.