Thomas Tuchel will reportedly take his first Chelsea training session tonight, ahead of being officially unveiled as the club’s new manager.
The club confirmed that they had parted ways with Frank Lampard yesterday morning, after 18 months in charge.
Tuchel won two Ligue 1 titles with PSG and guided them to the Champions League final last year, however he was sacked following defeat to Bayern Munich.
? Thomas Tuchel will take Chelsea's training session at 6pm
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 26, 2021
Gary Cotterill confirms the new manager will be in position to take his first training session as manager this evening pic.twitter.com/mnArubMS5h
As confirmed by Sky Sports News, the 47-year-old is expected to take charge of his first training session with the club tonight and will be on the touchline in time for the game against Wolves tomorrow.
? Thomas Tuchel has arrived at Chelsea's training ground
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 26, 2021
Gary Cotterill reporting live from Chelsea's training ground in Surrey pic.twitter.com/7VL1A75lcc
In a statement confirming Lampard’s sacking, Chelsea wrote:
“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.”
Roman Abramovich added in a rare public 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.
“The Club will be making no further comment until such time as a new Head Coach is appointed.”
Featured image credit: Getty