Frank Lampard has been sacked from his role as Chelsea manager and will be replaced by Thomas Tuchel.
Lampard had been in charge for just over 18 months. He leaves following five defeats in the last eight games.
He will be replaced by Tuchel, with Goal understanding that a verbal agreement has been in place between Chelsea and their incoming manager for a couple of days before the news of Lampard’s departure became public.
It comes just 24 hours after Lampard led Chelsea to a 3-1 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup. The club’s Premier League form has led to growing concerns. The 42-year-old achieved a top-four finish last season.
Club chairman Bruce Buck watched on with technical and performance advisor Petr Cech, Leicester City ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against Lampard’s side in their most recent league fixture.
The loss to Brendan Rodgers’ men was just the latest of a series of defeats. Against the Premier League’s best teams, which recently included reverses against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Chelsea have only beaten West Ham of the top 11 clubs this season. They picking up the second-lowest number of points. At this stage of a season since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.
Lampard earned 1.67 points per match in the league. The lowest of any manager appointed since Abramovich bought Chelsea.
The former England midfielder was open to continuing but the decision was taken out of his hands.
Tuchel is the next manager to try at Stamford Bridge. Following his sacking by Ligue 1 champions PSG just before Christmas.
Meanwhile, Lampard’s status remains intact and many Chelsea fans would have been happy to see him continue.
Frank previously managed Derby County after retiring from a glorious playing career that saw him win the Champions League and three Premier League titles.
