Thomas Tuchel says Frank Lampard will always be a Chelsea “legend” despite the painful end of his managerial reign at Stamford Bridge as the German prepares to lock horns with the Everton boss. Tuchel was hired to replace Lampard at Chelsea following his sacking in January 2021. And the pair will meet for the first time on Sunday.
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The Chelsea manager revealed on Friday that Lampard, who is now in the Goodison Park hotseat, sent him a good luck message when he was appointed.
Lampard was ousted in his second season following a decline in form, arriving just months after Tuchel won the Champions League using his predecessor team.
While Tuchel has kept Chelsea in the top three of the Premier League during a turbulent season, Lampard is battling to keep third-bottom Everton from slipping to second tier for the first time since 1954.
Aware that he could push Chelsea’s record goalscorer closer to relegation with a win at Goodison Tuchel, Lampard was quick to declare his admiration for him.
“He sent me a very kind, respectful message after taking over at Chelsea,” Tuchel told reporters.
“I was a huge fan of him as a player and he is and will remain a legend in our club and that is a given. I was overjoyed when he wrote me that message and it was very gentle.”
He continued: “I’ve never met Frank in person. I’d love to meet him. We need points, he needs instant points too.”
Academy graduates Reece James and Mason Mount, among others, became first-team regulars under Lampard.
But, asked if he has Lampard to thank for the quality youngsters at his disposal, Tuchel said the former England midfielder would not have played anyone who did not deserve his chance.
“I don’t know if it’s gratitude,” Tuchel said. “I don’t think Frank did it to do him a favor. I think every coach does it because it’s about helping the team. It’s not about age in any direction.”
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