Chelsea’s first training after the confirmation of Frank Lampard’s sacking was apparently met with an array of emotions from his former players.
The Athletic reported that the ‘mood was understandably mixed’ among the group as they took part in session having heard the news of their managers exit.
They suggested that ‘some felt sorry for Lampard’ whereas a proportion ‘accepted football is a result business and that targets set by the club have to be achieved.’
Touching messages of support understandably come from the homegrown core that Lampard embedded into the Chelsea team.
Mason Mount, Reece James, Tammy Abraham, Billy Gilmour and Ben Chilwell all expressed their gratitude towards Lampard via social media.
Senior members other the squad also joined in to show their appreciation. Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta and Edouard Mendy were among the names to reach out in support.
There was social media silence from certain sections of the side, particularly from those who had been frozen out during Lampard’s tenure.
Antonio Rudiger, Marcos Alonso and Jorginho all held their tongue having been largely surplus to requirements this season.
It was reported by the Telegraph that Rudiger had ‘clashed’ with Azpilicueta on multiple occasions as the Chelsea captain tried ‘to ease tensions’ that were being harboured inside Cobham.
There had been a sense of unrest surrounding Lampard’s position ever since Chelsea lost 3-1 to Manchester City in early January. This prompted the Athletic to produce an article to say his job was under threat.
Players were apparently conscious of their coach’s predicament but it still came as shock to some inside Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel is set to takeover any time soon as the Blues prepare for a Premier League bout against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening.
The Chelsea Chronicle View
You can completely understand why there would be a fractured response to Lampard’s withdrawal.
The Chelsea changing room was definitely divided into those who had the managers full trust and those who were not in his long-term plans.
Unfortunately, it seems the latter have got their way and don’t seem remorseful about it at all.
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