Thomas Tuchel hails ‘amazing’ Frank Lampard for ‘laying the foundations’ for a Champions League and FA Cup double at Chelsea… but reveals he hasn’t spoken to his predecessor since their initial contact after his sacking
- Chelsea head into Wednesday’s London derby against Arsenal in imperious form
- Chelsea, who beat City 2-1 last time out, are in pole position for top-four finish
- The Blues are gearing up for their FA Cup final against Leicester this Saturday
- Then two weeks later, they take on City in the Champions League final
Thomas Tuchel has hailed former manager Frank Lampard for ‘laying the foundations’ to get Chelsea into both the Champions League and FA Cup finals.
The Blues are gearing up for a massive three weeks before the season comes to a close, taking on Leicester in the FA Cup final this weekend before facing Man City in the Champions League final on May 29.
The club are also in pole position for a top-four finish too and Tuchel has credited his predecessor for helping Chelsea get into such a promising position.
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea head into the London derby against Arsenal in imperious form
Chelsea boss Tuchel has hailed the work of predecessor Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge
When asked if Lampard deserves credit ahead of Wednesday night’s London derby against Arsenal in the Premier League, Tuchel replied: ‘Frank had an amazing record in the group stage of the Champions League.
‘Won all the FA Cup games. He’s laid the foundation to get us to finals and we don’t feel ashamed or have any fear to speak it out loud. It felt like that on the first day.
‘I am aware Frank created his own legacy as a player and make it bigger as a coach.
‘We stepped in halfway through the season and tried to fulfil the job he had began.’
Despite his glowing tribute on Tuesday, Tuchel did also reveal that he hasn’t spoken to Lampard since their initial contact following his sacking at the end of January.
The German added: ‘Frank resembles everything you think about Chelsea. You think about Frank Lampard, the way he is, how he played football.
‘This shows his character and the message he sent was a pleasure to receive. We had a message a couple of days after we arrived but nothing more.’
More to follow…
Chelsea overcame champions-elect Manchester City 2-1 last time out in the Premier League