‘Disappointed’ Lampard speaks out after Chelsea sacking

Frank Lampard insisted that Chelsea’s academy products “are the future of the club” after his sacking.

On Monday it was announced that Lampard had been dismissed by Chelsea. It is expected that former Borussia Dortmund and PSG manager Thomas Tuchel will replace him.

There was more pressure on Lampard to bring Chelsea forward this season after the club spent big this summer. The Blues splashed out over £200m on signings which included the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.

Chelsea started the season well and in December they were top of the Premier League. But a run of just one league win in five led to his departure. This poor run has seen them drop down to ninth in the table.

Lampard released a statement responding to his sacking on Monday evening.

“It has been a huge privilege and an honour to manage Chelsea. It is 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. 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 them to the next level.

“I want to thank Mr Abramovich, the board, the 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 club every success for the future.”