Wayne Rooney explains why Frank Lampard was "prematurely" sacked by Chelsea

Wayne Rooney admits he was sorry but not surprised to see Frank Lampard "prematurely" sacked by Chelsea.

The Stamford Bridge club replaced Lampard this week with Thomas Tuchel.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich has once again shown his ruthless streak after Chelsea's all-time record scorer Lampard led the club to fourth last term despite a transfer ban.

This season Chelsea were ninth when Lampard was axed on Monday after spending over £200million on several overseas talents like Kai Havertz and Timo Werner.

England's record scorer Rooney, now in charge of Championship Derby, said: “It wasn't a huge surprise to see Frank get sacked.

“It is the way Chelsea operate their business.

“Since Roman Abramovich came in, he doesn't tend to give managers that much time to put their ideas in place.

“They demand almost instant success and if you don't get it you will pay the price.

“Frank Lampard will have known that and I think he deserved more time.

“He did a great job last year playing a lot of young lads and making the Champions League.

“He has brought players in who will take time to build his team and challenge for the titles.

“I don't think they were too far away points-wise from being able to challenge.

“So it is disappointing for Frank and his staff.

“But they will have known going in there that Chelsea demand trophies.

“It is good in one sense that it keeps managers on their toes and they have to produce the trophies.

“But if you are going to give someone a project to bring players in from different countries, then at least give them the season to see where they are at.

“They are still in competitions and the Champions League challenging.

“It is a shame for Frank in my opinion because I think he was doing a good job and it would have been great to see him get more time.

“I think it is a bit premature because if they were 20 points behind the top four, for instance, you could understand it a bit more but they are still within touching distance of that top four.

“Before the season, you probably would have said if they finished top four again it would have been a good season and allowed them to get a bit closer next season.”

Meanwhile, Rooney confirmed the Rams' transfer embargo has been lifted after the squad were this week paid their delayed wages for December.

Rooney expects their January wage packet to be paid on Friday.

But he admits starlet Kaide Gordon,16, is set to quit for Liverpool's academy.

Source: Read Full Article