Frank Lampard sacked: what are the odds on him becoming next Celtic manager - and why did he leave Chelsea?

He has been replaced as club manager by Thomas Tuchel

Frank Lampard is expected to be replaced by former Paris St-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel (Getty Images)

Frank Lampard has been linked to Celtic FC after he was sacked by Chelsea.

The ex-Blues manager has become second favourite to replace Neil Lennon at the Scottish Premiership club following his dismissal.

Lampard, 42, was sacked after 18 months of managing the football club and was replaced by former Paris St-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel.

The club are currently eighth in the Premier League.

Lampard was appointed by Chelsea on a three-year contract in July 2019.

Here’s everything you need to know about Lampard’s dismissal from Chelsea.

Why was Frank Lampard sacked?

Under Lampard’s management, Chelsea climbed to the top of the Premier League after a 3-1 win against Leeds in December 2020.

However, the club was faced with five defeats out of their last eight league games while he was manager - as many losses as they had in their previous 23 matches.

Lampard’s points-per-game average sits at 1.67 - which is the lowest out of any permanent Chelsea manager in the Premier League.

The former Chelsea midfielder also spent over £200million on seven major signings - the most the club have ever spent in one summer.

Announcing his dismissal, Chelsea put out a statement: "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."

The club’s owner, Roman Abramovich, said Lampard would remain an “important icon” at Chelsea despite being sacked.

He said: "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."

Lampard became the club’s 10th full-time manager since billionaire Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003.

How did Lampard react?

After he was sacked, Lampard released a statement on Monday 25 January.

He said he was “disappointed not to have had the time to take the club forward" but said his time as manager was “a huge privilege and an honour”.

Lampard stated: “When I took on this role I understood the challenges that lay ahead in a difficult time for the football club.

"I am proud of the achievements that we made, and I am proud of the academy players that have made their step into the first team and performed so well. They are the future of the club."

“It has been a huge privilege and an honour to manage Chelsea, a club that has been a big part of my life for so long.”

He also thanked the club’s fans for the “incredible support” and showed his appreciation to Abramovich before wishing the team success for the future.

What are the odds on Lampard moving to Celtic?

Following Lampard’s departure from Chelsea, he has become second favourite with the bookies to replace Neil Lennon as Celtic manager.

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is the current favourite to become the next boss at Parkhead, but Lampard’s odds have now been slashed to 6-1 ahead of other candidates like Roy Keane and John Kennedy.

And Harry Redknapp has said the former Blues manager, who is his nephew, could be tempted by the Celtic job.

Redknapp told the Daily Record that it would be interesting to see Lampard in competition with Steven Gerrard, who manages Rangers.

He said: “That’s certainly something that would interest any manager. It’s a great football club to come and manage, that’s for sure.

“Neil Lennon is still there so I wouldn’t want to talk too much about someone else taking his job but obviously it would be interesting to see Frank in direct opposition to Steven Gerrard.”

He added: “Would Frank want to jump straight back in if it did become available? I wouldn’t know. But you could certainly see the appeal.”

Lampard has said in the past that he is a Rangers fan.

Who has replaced Lampard at Chelsea?

Former Paris St-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel replaced Lampard as Chelsea manager.

Tuchel was drafted in on Wednesday 27 January before Chelsea’s 0-0 Premier League game against Wolves, and he was presented to the media the day after.

Speaking about Lampard’s sacking, the new manager said: "I know it was a big disappointment for the fanbase that Frank was sacked and I have the biggest respect. I was a huge fan of Frank as a player.

"The club made clear to me this is not my fault, I cannot change the situation for him. The decision was made and I was handed the opportunity."

Tuchel is not exempt from international quarantine rules, but the FA has said it will allow him to attend Chelsea’s matches and training if he tests negative to fly into the UK and then negative again to enter the team’s bubble.

He will have to quarantine for five days outside those environments.