Chelsea were flying high early in the season after their summer splurge but the seat under Frank Lampard’s marble-like behind has begun to heat up – and not like in your standard Mercedes 7-Series.
After sliding down the Premier League table in recent weeks time now looks to be up for the Blues legend, with media reports claiming he’ll be sacked on Monday.
He’s lasted just 19 months in the hot seat – nothing to be sniffed at by Chelsea’s standards – but with just two wins in their last eight ruthless Roman has dropped the axe.
But who could be next through the door at Stamford Bridge?
5.30pm: Waiting game
We’ll bid you farewell for the day with Tuchel’s appointment as Chelsea’s next manager expected imminently.
His first match looks like being Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
4pm: Doubting Thomas
So, it seems like it’s Tuchel who will replace Lampard.
Although, news just in suggests it won’t last long…
1.55pm: Life after Lampard
Frank’s era is over (if 19 months even really counts as an era), and our number-crunchers have had a look at how Chelsea could fare in their upcoming matches.
Wolves and Burnley lie in wait for the Blues in the Premier League, and we make Chelsea 7/4 to win both.
1pm: Frank got ratio’d
Roman Abramovich's seasons per manager ratio was starting to creep over one.
Couldn't let that happen. He had to take action.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) January 25, 2021
12.10pm: Lampard 14/1 for Newcastle
Looks like Frank might not be out of work for long. With Steve Bruce struggling up at Newcastle, our traders have priced up who could replace him at the Mike Ashley Fun House of St James’ Park.
And a certain Mr Lampard is available at 14/1.
Here’s the full market for Next Newcastle manager
11.35am: He’s been a big waste of money so far…
Timo Werner on the pitch when Thomas Tuchel replaces Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager. pic.twitter.com/LeGi5hLlez
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) January 25, 2021
11.15am: Lampard sacking confirmed
Chelsea have announced what we’ve known for a few hours – with Abramovich himself chiming in.
“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”
So much respect you’ve ditched him after his first poor run of form, eh?
11am: Words of wisdom…
Looks like Chelsea are about to lose one of the game’s great minds. pic.twitter.com/OkGfeErW2L
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) January 25, 2021
10.45am: Tuchel odds-on before market suspended
Betting on Lampard’s replacement has been suspended, with Tuchel previously at odds-on of 4/9 to be named the new Chelsea manager.
10.30am: Who is Lampard’s most likely replacement?
Rafa Benitez and Thomas Tuchel look to be among the early frontrunners.
Benitez was about as popular as toothache with Chelsea fans during his previous caretaker spell in west London, but following his return to the UK from a stint in China, the Spaniard could well be called on for a second time.
And fresh from being slung out of Neymar’s 24-hour PSG party, Tuchel could be about to land himself a new gig across the Channel.
10.15am: Next Chelsea manager likely contenders
- Thomas Tuchel
- Maz Allegri
- Brendan Rodgers
- Ralph Hasenhuttl
- Rafa Benitez
- Andriy Shevchenko
- Julian Nagelsmann
- John Terry
10am: Who could be in the frame?
One of Chelsea’s biggest flops Andriy Shevchenko was a surprise mover in the markets in recent weeks. He’s currently in charge of the Ukrainian national team and he’s been in position there for four years. If he was to move to Stamford Bridge it’s hard to imagine getting anywhere near that long – especially if performs on the touchline like the did on the pitch for The Blues.
The ever-popular Max Allegri has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after seeing his Arsenal ambitions disappear after some much-improved results for Mikel Arteta. Don’t worry Max, your Premier League time will come.
The likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Diego Simeone and, tantalisingly, John Terry could also in the mix.
You know you want to switch one Chelsea legend for another, Roman. Nothing can go wrong…
9.45am: Lampard to be given the boot today
Media reports claim his time is up – despite leading his side to a 3-1 win over Luton in the FA Cup yesterday.
Tammy Abraham bagged a hat-trick against the Championship side, but it’s the displays of new signings Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and co which have left Lampard in a sticky spot.
And it appears that win over the Hatters on Sunday proved to be his final act as Chelsea boss, 19 months after arriving from Derby.
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