Thomas Tuchel to Chelsea: Roman Abramovich snubbed by two bosses before Frank Lampard sack

Chelsea: Tuchel reportedly eyed as replacement for Lampard

Thomas Tuchel is set to become the next manager of Chelsea. And reports say the Blues have turned to the former Paris Saint-Germain boss after being rebuffed by two other managers. Frank Lampard has become the 14th managerial casualty of the Roman Abramovich era, with the Blues losing patience after a tricky start to the season.

Chelsea confirmed the sacking of Lampard early on Monday, saying: “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.”

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich added: “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.

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“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.”

And ESPN say Tuchel is now set to take over.

However, Chelsea will turn to the former PSG boss after being turned down by Ralf Rangnick and Julian Nagelsmann.

Rangnick was approached about taking over at Stamford Bridge but has made it clear he has no interest in returning to management.

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And Nagelsmann has made it clear he’d prefer to stay at RB Leipzig, with the German side jostling with Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen for the Bundesliga title.

Lampard leaves Chelsea ninth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Manchester United having been appointed in July 2019.

The 42-year-old succeeded Maurizio Sarri and did well in his first campaign, steering the Blues to fourth in the Premier League table.

But with the west London giants sitting ninth in the standings, he was axed.

Chelsea will be hopeful Tuchel can succeed where Lampard failed by getting the best out of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.

But whether he’s able to help the pair live up to their huge price tags is something only time will tell.

Meanwhile, Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has slammed the Blues – describing the decision as ‘utterly ludicrous’.

“Reports that Frank Lampard will be sacked by @ChelseaFC today,” he said on Twitter.

“Utterly ludicrous after his first bad run.

“It was always going to need time given so many new signings feeling their way into a new club.

“Patience being a virtue is seldom recognised in this sport. They never learn.”

Chelsea are next in action against Wolves on Wednesday (6pm).

They lost the reserve fixture 2-1 earlier in the campaign.

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