Chelsea sacking Frank Lampard is no surprise. The Blues have shown little mercy to managers in the past, regardless of the good times they’ve given the club. And the club’s boardroom has been described as a ‘Viper’s nest’ by one source quoted by the Independent.
Chelsea announced the sacking of Lampard on Monday, saying in a statement: “This has been a very difficult decision, and not one that the owner and the Board have taken lightly.
“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.”
And while some have found the decision surprising, they really shouldn’t.
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Thomas Tuchel: Chelsea are set to make former PSG boss their new manager (Image: GETTY)
And he expressed his disappointment at Chelsea’s failure to back him in the aftermath of his departure, saying: "It has been a huge privilege and an honour to manage Chelsea, a club that has been a big part of my life for so long.
"Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for the incredible support that I have received over the last 18 months.
"I hope they know what that means to me.
"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.
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"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.
"I want to thank Mr Abramovich, the board, players, my coaching team and everyone at the club for their hard work and dedication, especially in these unprecedented and challenging times.
"I wish the team and the club every success for the future."