Thomas Tuchel Reveals Classy ‘Personal Message’ From Outgoing Chelsea Boss Frank Lampard

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revealed that Frank Lampard has gone up in his estimation, after he received a gracious message from Lamps following his appointment.

The German former PSG boss was appointed just days after club legend Lampard was given the boot, only 18 months after his appointment, with Chelsea struggling in mid-table.

Some Blues fans reacted badly to the news, with a 'Circus Continues' banner left at Stamford Bridge. Lampard also expressed his disappointment in a statement, but thanked the fans, players, board and Roman Abramovich.

However Chelsea's record goalscorer also went a step further and sent a private message to Tuchel, wishing him every success in his new role.

Asked about his own view of Lampard by the media, Tuchel revealed: "'I have the biggest respect for him personally and his legacy.

"It just got bigger when I received a message today in the morning; a personal message to wish me all the best and maybe meet in the future when this is possible.

"Honestly, nothing has changed there but in the last 72 hours the club made clear to me this is not my fault. I cannot change the situation for him, the decision was made and I was handed the opportunity."

Lampard's decision to directly contact Tuchel to wish him luck in the job - and suggesting they meet up in the future, when it's possible - is a remarkably magnanimous gesture. Especially considering his own axing from his dream managerial job must still be raw.

Tuchel's reign got off to a low-key start with a 0-0 draw with Wolves on Wednesday. That leaves the Blues - who spent over £200 million on transfers in 2020 - in eighth place after 20 Premier League games.

On the reaction some supporters have had to Lampard's departure, Tuchel said: "I can absolutely assume it was a big disappointment for the fanbase to see that Frank was sacked - and I said before, I have the biggest respect. I was a huge fan of Frank as a player.

"It was a pure joy to watch him play, and to see how he played, with the personality he played.

"He was one of the key figures to demonstrate what Chelsea is about. Intensity, devotion and winning mentality."

All imagery: PA Images

Topics: Frank Lampard, Football News, Chelsea, Football, Thomas Tuchel

Alex Reid

Alex Reid is a writer at SPORTbible who’s previously strung words together for FourFourTwo, Boxing News, The Guardian and, yes, Cruise International (it’s about big ships, not Tom). Interests range from football and boxing to real sports like WWE and darts. He is not a cage fighter.

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