Rangers boss Steven Gerrard admits he’s ‘gutted’ for Frank Lampard following Chelsea sacking, but insists it was ‘no surpise’

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Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has been left ‘gutted’ but not surprised that Frank Lampard was sacked as Chelsea manager.

Lampard’s status as the club’s record goalscorer and fan favourite could not save him from becoming Roman Abramovich’s 10th managerial sacking.

Lampard was given the boot with Chelsea ninth in the Premier League table

The former England midfielder, who won three league titles and the Champions League with Chelsea as a player, has now been replaced by Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge with the German confirmed as manager on Tuesday evening.

And Gerrard has admitted he has deep sympathy for his former England teammate.

“Obviously I’m gutted for Frank, he’s an ex-teammate of mine, someone I respect greatly,” Gerrard told Sky Sports.

“But knowing the guy, he will be back in no time. He will dust himself down and get back involved. He will use this time to spend with his family. He’s obviously got a young family and one on the way.

“I’m disappointed for him. I thought it was a very swift exit on the back of a positive result at the weekend (3-1 win in FA Cup on Sunday).

Gerrard has admitted he is sad that Lampard was sacked as Chelsea boss

“But I don’t know the details. I don’t know how it’s been for him, I don’t know the relationships that he’s had inside the club.

“I did think it was an opportunity for Chelsea to really reach out and support him during this tough period rather than do what they have done.

“But Chelsea have got history for that so it was no surprise.”

Tuchel has signed an initial 18-month contract at Chelsea, and will get to work immediately.

The former Paris St Germain manager was due to take his first training session on Tuesday night, before taking charge of Wednesday’s home league clash with Wolves.

“I would like to thank Chelsea for their confidence in me and my staff,” Tuchel told Chelsea’s official club website.

“We all have the greatest respect for Frank Lampard’s work and the legacy he created at Chelsea.

“At the same time I cannot wait to meet my new team and compete in the most exciting league in football.

“I am grateful to now be part of the Chelsea family – it feels amazing!”

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