London: Frank Lampard has been sacked from his role as Chelsea manager on Monday (January 25). Lampard was in charge for just over 18 months but the decision comes in after the Blues faced five defeats in their last eight games.
The news of the sacking came just 24 hours after Lampard led Chelsea to a 3-1 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup. The 42-year-old former Chelsea icon, achieved a top-four finish last season, amidst a transfer ban which was deemed impressive.
Although this season Chelsea spent £220 million ($275m) on new signings, their form in Premier League has been a growing concern as they currently sit in the ninth position in the league table.
Chelsea have only managed to beat West Ham and picked up the second-lowest number of points at this stage of any season. Under Lampard, Chelsea earned 1.67 points per match in the league, which is the lowest of any manager appointed since Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003.
Lampard previously managed Derby County after retiring from the glorious playing career that saw him win the Champions League and three Premier League titles.
The club officially released a statement stating, “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 also put forward his views and 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.”
Former PSG boss Thomas Tuchel is in talks to replace Lampard and is reported that a verbal agreement has been in place.
