Chelsea Football Club made a surprising decision to sack manager and club legend Frank Lampard on Monday amid a tough start to the 2020-21 English Premier League season.
The move is already being subjected to immense scrutiny, including from Chelsea's own players. Midfielder Reece James took to Instagram to thank Lampard for his mentorship:
“As a Chelsea Fan growing up I’ve always looked up to you, idolised you,” James wrote on Instagram. “I can’t explain what it’s been like to play under you, the whole journey has been surreal. I cannot thank you enough for putting your trust into me and giving me the opportunity to play for my boyhood club! Thank you so much for all you have taught me, which I will continue to use throughout the rest of my career. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live my dream! I’ll forever be thankful.”
Lampard was tabbed as the club's new manager in July of 2019. The English international had spent 13 years at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles and being named to the FIFA World XI in 2005. Now, he had a chance to lead his old club from the sidelines.
Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League last season, but Lampard showed a commitment to playing young and talented players such as American midfielder Christian Pulisic and Englishman Mason Mount.
The Blues then spent hundreds of millions during the summer transfer window in an effort to make a run at the top of the table. But Chelsea has just 29 points and is ninth in the Prem, and now Lampard is out.
Thomas Tuchel has been named Lampard's successor.
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