Chelsea have sacked their manager Frank Lampard after a string of poor results. Reuters
Chelsea have sacked their manager Frank Lampard after a string of poor results. Reuters
Chelsea sacked manager Frank Lampard after a run of five defeats in eight league games. AFP
Chelsea sacked manager Frank Lampard after a run of five defeats in eight league games. AFP
Former Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel is the favourite to replace Frank Lampard. AP
Former Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel is the favourite to replace Frank Lampard. AP
Frank Lampard becomes the 12th Chelsea manager to be fired since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. AFP
Frank Lampard becomes the 12th Chelsea manager to be fired since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. AFP
Frank Lampard with Chelsea's Thiago Silva before the match against Leicester City. Reuters
Frank Lampard with Chelsea's Thiago Silva before the match against Leicester City. Reuters
Frank Lampard watches Chelsea players during warm up at the King Power Stadium in Leicester. AP
Frank Lampard watches Chelsea players during warm up at the King Power Stadium in Leicester. AP
Frank Lampard failed to get the best out of Chelsea despite spending £300 million ($409m) on new recruits. Getty
Frank Lampard failed to get the best out of Chelsea despite spending £300 million ($409m) on new recruits. Getty
Frank Lampard at Craven Cottage in London. AFP
Frank Lampard at Craven Cottage in London. AFP
Frank Lampard with Mason Mount during the he FA Cup fourth round match against Luton Town. Getty
Frank Lampard with Mason Mount during the he FA Cup fourth round match against Luton Town. Getty
Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Getty
Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Getty
Chelsea have parted ways with Frank Lampard. Reuters
Chelsea have parted ways with Frank Lampard. Reuters

Football

Frank Lampard sacked with Thomas Tuchel favourite to be new Chelsea manager

Lampard oversaw nearly £300 million ($409m) on new players ahead of this season

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings
Abu Dhabi

January 25, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Chelsea have sacked manager Frank Lampard following a poor run of form that has seen the London club disappear from the Premier League title race.

The London club spent nearly £300 million ($409m) on new players ahead of this season, but have failed to mount a serious title challenge after finishing fourth in Lampard's debut season in charge.

Owner Roman Abramovich took the unusual step of releasing a personal statement along with a club one, saying it was a "difficult decision" to release Lampard, whom he appointed in July 2019, but that he believed it was the best course if the West London club were to arrest their alarming slump.

"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," added Abramovich.

"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.

"On behalf of everyone at the club, the board and personally, I would like to thank Frank for his work as head coach and wish him every success in the future. He is an important icon of this great club and his status here remains undiminished. He will always be warmly welcomed back at Stamford Bridge."

Lampard, who enjoyed a 13-year playing career at Chelsea, winning the Premier League three times as well as the Champions League and Europa League, led Chelsea to a top-four finish and the FA Cup final in his debut 2019/20 campaign in charge, but has failed to get the best out of a squad supplemented with expensive signings such as Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech this time around.

Despite Sunday's FA Cup win over Championship side Luton Town, Lampard's position has been the subject of intense speculation due to poor league form that has seen them lose five of their last eight league games.

The Blues are currently ninth in the table - having been top at one stage - 11 points off leaders Manchester City and five behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

________________________

Chelsea 3, Luton Town 1

Chelsea's Tammy Abraham, centre, celebrates scoring his side's third goal during their FA Cup fourth round victory over Luton Town at Stamford Bridge. PA
Chelsea's Tammy Abraham, centre, celebrates scoring his side's third goal during their FA Cup fourth round victory over Luton Town at Stamford Bridge. PA
Chelsea's Tammy Abraham after completing his hat-trick at Stamford Bridge. PA
Chelsea's Tammy Abraham after completing his hat-trick at Stamford Bridge. PA
Tammy Abraham completes his hat-trick. Getty
Tammy Abraham completes his hat-trick. Getty
Luton's Jordan Clark, right, celebrates after scoring against Chelsea. EPA
Luton's Jordan Clark, right, celebrates after scoring against Chelsea. EPA
Chelsea's midfielder Christian Pulisic reacts after picking up a knock. AFP
Chelsea's midfielder Christian Pulisic reacts after picking up a knock. AFP
Luton Town's Tom Lockyer looks on as Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga makes a save. Reuters
Luton Town's Tom Lockyer looks on as Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga makes a save. Reuters
Luton defender Rhys Norrington-Davies tackles Chelsea's Emerson Palmieri. AFP
Luton defender Rhys Norrington-Davies tackles Chelsea's Emerson Palmieri. AFP
Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea. EPA
Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea. EPA
Kal Naismith of Luton Town under pressure from Emerson of Chelsea. Getty
Kal Naismith of Luton Town under pressure from Emerson of Chelsea. Getty
Chelsea keeper Kepa saves from Harry Cornick of Luton. Getty
Chelsea keeper Kepa saves from Harry Cornick of Luton. Getty

________________________

"This has been a very difficult decision, and not one that the owner and the board have taken lightly," Chelsea said in a separate statement.

"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."

Thomas Tuchel has emerged as favourite to replace Lampard, with reports suggesting the 47-year-old German's representatives are already in advanced talks with Abramovich.

Tuchel has previously managed Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain, guiding the French club to a first Champions League final last August before being sacked on Christmas Eve.

________________________

The contenders

Former Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel is reported to be top of Chelsea's wanted list following Frank Lampard's dismissal on Monday. Tuchel was sacked by PSG in December after two-and-a-half seasons in charge, winning the league twice and reaching the 2020 Champions League final, which they lost to Bayern Munich. Before that the 47-year-old managed Borussia Dortmund for two seasons, winning the Germany Cup in 2017. Getty
Former Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel is reported to be top of Chelsea's wanted list following Frank Lampard's dismissal on Monday. Tuchel was sacked by PSG in December after two-and-a-half seasons in charge, winning the league twice and reaching the 2020 Champions League final, which they lost to Bayern Munich. Before that the 47-year-old managed Borussia Dortmund for two seasons, winning the Germany Cup in 2017. Getty
Max Allegri is one of the favourites for the Stamford Bridge job, while also interesting Roma in Italy. Without a club since he left Juventus in the summer of 2019, where he won five consecutive Serie A titles and twice reached the final of the Champions League. AFP
Max Allegri is one of the favourites for the Stamford Bridge job, while also interesting Roma in Italy. Without a club since he left Juventus in the summer of 2019, where he won five consecutive Serie A titles and twice reached the final of the Champions League. AFP
German Ralf Rangnick is reported to be on the Chelsea shortlist. The former RB Leipzig boss was even approached for an interim role with the Blues, according to The Athletic. One of the most highly influential coaches in the game, a spell at Chelsea would be intriguing. AFP
German Ralf Rangnick is reported to be on the Chelsea shortlist. The former RB Leipzig boss was even approached for an interim role with the Blues, according to The Athletic. One of the most highly influential coaches in the game, a spell at Chelsea would be intriguing. AFP
Carlo Ancelotti, the current Everton manager, is never short of interest for his services. He has won 20 trophies during his career and is one of only three managers to win the European Cup or Uefa Champions League three times, doing so twice with AC Milan and once with Real Madrid. Hs also had spells at Paris Saint-Germain and of course Chelsea, leading them to their first Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010. Everton will not want him to leave. Getty
Carlo Ancelotti, the current Everton manager, is never short of interest for his services. He has won 20 trophies during his career and is one of only three managers to win the European Cup or Uefa Champions League three times, doing so twice with AC Milan and once with Real Madrid. Hs also had spells at Paris Saint-Germain and of course Chelsea, leading them to their first Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010. Everton will not want him to leave. Getty
Rafael Benitez is back on the market after recently leaving Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. Managed Chelsea on an interim basis from November 2012 to May 2013, winning the Europa League, so knows his way around Stamford Bridge. Also managed Liverpool and Newcastle in the Premier League, and Valencia, Inter Milan, Napoli and Real Madrid are among his other high-profile roles. AP
Rafael Benitez is back on the market after recently leaving Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. Managed Chelsea on an interim basis from November 2012 to May 2013, winning the Europa League, so knows his way around Stamford Bridge. Also managed Liverpool and Newcastle in the Premier League, and Valencia, Inter Milan, Napoli and Real Madrid are among his other high-profile roles. AP
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba would certainly excite the fans, but remains a real outsider for the post after the failed experiment with his former teammate Lampard. Drogba scored 164 goals in 381 appearances in his two spells at Chelsea, the club's fourth all-time highest scorer. Won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups with the Blues - and scored the winning penalty when they won the Champions League final against Bayern in 2012. Getty
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba would certainly excite the fans, but remains a real outsider for the post after the failed experiment with his former teammate Lampard. Drogba scored 164 goals in 381 appearances in his two spells at Chelsea, the club's fourth all-time highest scorer. Won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups with the Blues - and scored the winning penalty when they won the Champions League final against Bayern in 2012. Getty
While you're here
Places to go for free coffee
  • Cherish Cafe Dubai, Dubai Investment Park, are giving away free coffees all day. 
  • La Terrace, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, are serving their first 50 guests one coffee and four bite-sized cakes
  • Wild & The Moon will be giving away a free espresso with every purchase on International Coffee Day
  • Orange Wheels welcome parents are to sit, relax and enjoy goodies at ‘Café O’ along with a free coffee
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

Januzaj's club record

Manchester United 50 appearances, 5 goals

Borussia Dortmund (loan) 6 appearances, 0 goals

Sunderland (loan) 25 appearances, 0 goals

On Women's Day
On Women's Day
While you're here
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

While you're here
Summer special
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The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE SIXTH SENSE

Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Rating: 5/5

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Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m. Winner: Majd Al Megirat, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Ahmed Al Shehhi (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m. Winner: Dassan Da, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi

6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m. Winner: Heba Al Wathba, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m. Winner: Hameem, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m. Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Richard Mullen, Ahmed Al Mehairbi

Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m. Winner: Harbour Spirit, Adrie de Vries, Jaber Ramadhan.

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Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
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Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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On Women's Day

Globalization and its Discontents Revisited
Joseph E. Stiglitz
W. W. Norton & Company

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Some of Darwish's last words

"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

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