Chelsea have sacked manager Frank Lampard after a poor run of results.

The former Chelsea player – and club’s all-time record goal scorer – was 18 months into a three-year contract.

The club 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.”

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich added to the 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.”

Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain last month, is tipped to replace Lampard.

The German could be at Stamford Bridge as quickly as Wednesday.

It’s thought the club went for a German speaker to try to get the best out of new signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.

Both players have struggled to live up to their mega-million-pound fees.