Lampard
was sacked by Chelsea on Monday following a poor run of recent results, with
Roman Abramovich deciding that change was needed to get the club back on track
in the Premier League.
Frank Lampard says he was privileged to have managed Chelsea
but was left disappointed he didn’t get enough time at the club.
Frank Lampard has given his first public statement since his
sacking and admits he wanted more time in charge of the Blues.
Frank
Lampard, who has been sacked as Chelsea head coach, has said that it was a
“huge honour and privilege” to manage the club, adding he is
disappointed he was not given the time to take the Blues “to the next
level”.
he 42-year-old was sacked by Chelsea on Monday following a
helpless run of ongoing outcomes. Roman Abramovich let it be known was an
extreme choice for the club yet one that should have been made to rescue
something of their season.
A
former England and Chelsea midfielder, Lampard had joined the Blues as head
coach on July 4, 2019.
“When I took on this role I understood the challenges that
lay ahead in a difficult time for the football club,” Lampard wrote in a
statement on Instagram.
“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 it to the next level.
“I
want to thank Abramovich, the board, 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 club and the team every success in the
future,” he added.
Chelsea has not yet announced Lampard’s replacement. However,
Thomas Tuchel is expected to be appointed as club’s new head coach.
Chelsea
are currently placed at the ninth spot in Premier League 2020-21 standings with
29 points from 19 matches.
Frank Lampard admitted his disappointment
Frank Lampard admitted
his disappointment at not being given more time by Chelsea after the club sacked
their record goalscorer as manager on Monday.
Club owner Roman Abramovic insisted the former midfielder’s status
at the club was undiminished by the decision, which came after a run of five
defeats in eight Premier League games.
With Chelsea ninth in the table and 11 points off leaders
Manchester United after spending £220million in the summer, Abramovich brought
Lampard’s time as manager to an end midway through a three-year deal.
“I am disappointed not to
have had the time this season to take the club forward and bring it to the next
level.”
During his playing career at Chelsea, Lampard won three league
titles and the Champions League in 2012, which perhaps explains why Abramovich made
the surprise move to comment on his latest sacking.
“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,” the Russian said.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich made a rare statement after Lampard’s departure (Mike Egerton/PA)
“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.”
A club statement added: “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.”
