Chelsea FC Sack Manager, Frank Lampard Despite FA Cup Fifth Round Qualification: Tuchel Possible Replacement?
By: Absalom Mulama
Posted on Monday, January 25, 2021
Chelsea have parted ways with their manager, Frank Lampard after about 18 months at the club. The former Chelsea midfield maestro turned manager had just inspired his team into an FA Cup win and fifth round qualification. The Blues last night beat Luton town (3-1) and qualified to this season’s fifth round of FA Cup.
In their press release, Chelsea management expressed that their decision to let Lampard go was fuelled by Chelsea’s recent Premier League performance. Part of the statement reads;
“This has been a very difficult decision, and not one that the owner and the Board have taken lightly.”
The former English player turned manager has been with the club for just over 18 months.
“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.”
The 42-year-old manager has struggled with Chelsea in the Premier league, getting only three wins in their last eight matches. These results have left The London Blues at 9th place with 29 points in the premier league table. Arsenal, who are at 11th place is the only direct competitor that Chelsea are sitting above, and even they are having a woeful season.
Chelsea’s official statement continues to read; “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 improve performances and results this season.”
German coach Thomas Tuchel is said to be Lampard’s most likely replacement, however the club is yet to confirm these rumours. Tuchel is currently out of a job after being released by French Champions, Paris Saint-Germain at the end of December 2020. After his two-year spell with PSG, Tuchel departed with a record of 95 wins in 127 games, the best win percentage (75.6%) in Ligue 1 history.
CFC will face championship side Barnsley in their next FA Cup match, so they still have a chance to redeem themselves this season.
The Blues were the runners-up last season, when their London rivals, Arsenal beat them in the finals to snatch the cup. Arsenal have this time been knocked out of the competition making it one obstacle less for Chelsea.
