Not for the first time in his career, Chelsea have parted ways with Frank Lampard.
The London club released a statement before lunchtime Monday announcing Lampard’s departure.
Having endured a tough start to the 2021 Premier League campaign, and openly admitting that Chelsea are a team “not ready” to challenge for league honours as they had done in the past, Lampard’s exit comes with the club having picked up 8 wins from 19 in the league and just one league win in their last five games.
“This has been a very difficult decision, and not one that the owner and the Board have taken lightly.”
“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.”
“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 give the Club time to improve performances and results this season.”
Club owner Roman Abramovich also weighed in, echoing the decision to change manager.
“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.”
“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.”
The return of Rafa or the turn of Tuchel?
“Rafael Benitez” by thesportreview is licensed under CC by-nc-sa-2.0 
While many believed that Steve Bruce would be the next Premier League manager out the door, we may well be seeing a return to London for Rafa Benitiez.
The Spaniard, former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle boss quit his post at Dalian Pro this past week citing Covid-19 difficulties.
Also waiting in the wings is Tomas Tuchel, the former Dortmund coach, most recently at PSG, the hot favourite for the Stamford Bridge post.
