Official: Chelsea have sacked Frank Lampard as manager

The Blues legend has been relieved of his duties as manager following a poor run of results this season.

Chelsea have confirmed reports on Monday morning of their decision to sack Frank Lampard as their manager with immediate effect.

Despite a positive start to the season, Lampard fell under immense pressure following a run of lackluster results. Five defeats in eight Premier League games saw the club slip from third-place to ninth in the table, leaving hopes of even a top-four finish under threat.

An inability to extract the most out of all his big-money summer signings, namely German duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, fueled doubts over his future.

Now, less than 24 hours after the 3-1 FA Cup win over Luton Town on Sunday, Chelsea have announced Lampard’s dismissal.

“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,” read a statement from club owner Roman Abramovich.

“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.

“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.”

Chelsea made no comment on who may replace Lampard as manager, but former Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel is the reported favorite.