Well, it’s happened.
Frank Lampard’s time at Chelsea has come to an abrupt end, with the Blues manager sacked after a year and a half in charge. The rumours started this morning, and the news has already been confirmed officially by Chelsea, complete with a club statement and everything.
It’s not surprising, given our recent run and given the club’s record of firing coaches, but it still cuts deep. The man is a legend of the club, and there’s a strong sense he hasn’t been treated fairly here.
Across the internet everyone had their views – from those who have been begging for him to go for months to those who think he’s been hard done by.
As far as we can see there’s only one thing everyone agrees on – his replacement will be Thomas Tuchel, formerly of PSG and Borussia Dortmund.
Let’s see how that one works out, shall we? “He will be back” said one Tweeter of our now ex-manager, and we hope that’s the case.
You can see a selection of the reaction here:
In Frank Lampard’s last game in charge…
• Tammy, Gilmour, Mount and Reece all started.
• Mount was captain.
• Reece, Callum and Tammy all scored or assisted. pic.twitter.com/MM4BMMDRCY
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) January 25, 2021
When the pandemic finally eases, and Chelsea fans are allowed back into Stamford Bridge, they will remind the board of their love for Frank Lampard. He's made mistakes, young managers do, but he cares deeply about #cfc. If only every player there shared his passion for the cause.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) January 25, 2021
No idea what he's saying but I'm all for it. Need to wake the Chelsea players up & get going!https://t.co/gvo66RXj55
— Nouman (@nomifooty) January 25, 2021
— Gary (@GaryCRobertson) January 25, 2021
First time I read of an actual Roman Abramovich comment on a sacking rather than a club one. Indicates the extreme delicate nature of the dismissal in respect to fan response.
Strange times indeed— Paul Lagan (@CFCJourno) January 25, 2021
I get that everyone is upset, I am too, but don't take it out on Thomas Tuchel. It's not his fault that Frank has been sacked and we all need to get behind him.
— Chelsea Extra 🏆 (@CFCExtra) January 25, 2021
Lampard the only permanent Chelsea manager since 2004 to get the Club Statement hat-trick, which I think is a #classytouch pic.twitter.com/q7Ol3L52HN
— Adam Hurrey (@FootballCliches) January 25, 2021
Frank Lampard helped give Chelsea Football Club a hugely promising future. His handprints will be on our success for years & years to come. Absolutely gutted it didn’t work out but to me his everlasting legacy lives on even stronger now.
Super Frank 💙 pic.twitter.com/nkACvjFosD
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) January 25, 2021
Telling you now, if you've ever expressed any interest in any single one of the numerous talented youngsters still coming through at Chelsea, and you're happy with today's developments, be careful what you wished for. Those players, their agents and families are watching closely.
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) January 25, 2021
I'm sure a large part of the sacking comes down to our two biggest German signings having a poor start at the club.
The club cannot afford to have yet another big money signing flop.
— BlueTweetsFC™ (@BlueTweetsFC) January 25, 2021
The last bit says it all, with Arsenal and Manchester United choosing to back their manager despite rocky periods earlier this season. There's a sense that a new manager can get the club the new manager bounce to achieve short-term goals better than Frank Lampard could. #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 25, 2021
The fact that fans coudn’t be at the games for most of his tenure will always be one of the biggest regrets. Convinced it would have made a huge difference.
— Chels HQ (@Chels_HQ) January 25, 2021
We didn’t lose faith, Frank. The board did.
Thanks for all the good memories! 💙 pic.twitter.com/O61fZdbHf4
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) January 25, 2021
This is not goodbye because goodbye's are forever, this is a farewell until we meet again.
He will be back and better than ever before.
Thank you, for everything 👑 pic.twitter.com/Oa8OP3T6Ee
— Uber Chelsea FC (@UberChelseaFC_) January 25, 2021
If Kepa thinks Lampard leaving will mean he'll get minutes again, he's in for a big surprise.
— BlueTweetsFC™ (@BlueTweetsFC) January 25, 2021
Getting the goodbye message from Roman Abramovich is something big tbh.
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) January 25, 2021
Of all the sackings Chelsea have done down the years, this one is the most baffling. A club legend sacked on the back of one sticky spell. Brutal beyond belief. https://t.co/1Vr2BzdQx8
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) January 25, 2021
In 18yrs as Chelsea owner, I only recall one previous occasion where Roman Abramovich was quoted directly.
That was the launch of the Say No To Antisemitism campaign – a very personal issue for him.
His reference for Frank Lampard here recognises how difficult this is for all.— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 25, 2021