Official. Frank Lampard has been sacked, as Chelsea announced. � #CFC

OFFICIAL: Chelsea have confirmed the club have parted company with Head Coach Frank Lampard.

CHELSEA LOSE PATIENCE WITH THE LAMPARD PROJECT
It was supposed to be different this time.

When Chelsea appointed Frank Lampard in the summer of 2019, the indication was they had moved to break their ruthless hire and fire cycle.

Chelsea legend Lampard seemed a fitting figurehead for the project. While he was still green in terms of his own managerial career, he had that intangible quality of knowing the club and knew what these young players would have to go through to become winners at the highest level.

Considering it was nine years into his own playing career before he lifted a trophy, he knew the importance of time and patience, too.

It was an intriguing journey Lampard and his players were embarking on. An experiment to see whether things could be done differently in west London.

But Chelsea have pulled the plug on the process and Lampard has been sacked 18 months after his appointment.

CHELSEA PERFORMANCES NOT GOOD ENOUGH'

Chelsea's dip in form and a lack of consistency from some of the club's high-profile signings proved costly to Frank Lampard, says Sue Smith.

ABRAMOVICH: LAMPARD'S ICON STATUS REMAINS UNDIMINISHED

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has thanked Lampard for his services and insists his status at the club "remains undiminished".

He said in a statement: “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.”

CHELSEA: LAMPARD DECISION NOT TAKEN LIGHTLY

In a statement, confirming Lampard's sacking, Chelsea said: “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.”

Hardgun:
Great news if it's real

natoemojay:
I'm surprised it took this long