Chelsea’s new manager Thomas Tuchel has paid a glowing tribute to his predecessor Frank Lampard and said he understands why the club’s fans will be hurting at the sacking of the club icon.
In a whirlwind week for the 47-year-old German, he replaced Lampard on Tuesday and took charge of his first Premier League game 24 hours later, a 0-0 home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Lampard’s sacking on Monday, 18 months after the club’s record scorer was appointed, came as a shock for fans even if they are well-used to managerial changes at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s clash with Burnley at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel was asked whether he thought there might be a supporter backlash against Lampard’s sacking.
“I hope not because that would be hard on the team. The fans are so close (to the pitch when they are in the stadium) and behind the team, it makes a big difference,” he said.
“I know it was a big disappointment for the fanbase that Frank was sacked and, as I said before, I have the biggest respect. I was a huge fan of Frank as a player.”
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