Chelsea fires manager Frank Lampard

Jan. 25 (UPI) — Premier League soccer club Chelsea has fired manager Frank Lampard, the team announced on Monday.

The move came after the Blues’ 3-1 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup on Sunday in London. Chelsea (8-6-5) sits at No. 9 in the Premier League standings.

“We are grateful to Frank for what he has achieved in his time as head coach of the club,” Chelsea said in a news release. “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.”

The Blues have lost five of their past eight games in the Premier League. Sources told ESPN, Sky Sports and the BBC that Chelsea is expected to hire Thomas Tuchel to replace Lampard.

French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain fired Tuchel in December.

Lampard, 42, became Chelsea’s manager in 2019 after he enjoyed a decorated tenure as a player from 1995 through 2016. He starred as a midfielder for the Blues from 2001 to 2014. Lampard managed Derby County from 2018 to 2019 before he took over at Chelsea.

“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,” Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich said.

“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 hosts Wolves in Premier League play at 1 p.m. EST on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge in London.