Such a decision has so far been justified, with German leading Chelsea back in the top four contention after a formidable 14-game unbeaten streak that ended unceremoniously by relegation-threatened West Brom last weekend.
Tuchel has also led Chelsea to the FA Cup semi-finals and they are now also big favorites to reach the Champions League quarter-finals after a 2-0 first leg win over FC Porto in Seville.
However, there are those who still feel that firing Lampard was harsh, as England’s midfield icon guided Chelsea to a top-four result and the FA Cup final in 2019/20 while promoting youth despite that he was initially forced to navigate a transfer ban and the departure of key star Eden Hazard to Real Madrid.
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Other than an initial statement issued through the League Administrators Association, Lampard has not spoken publicly since his departure from Chelsea.
However, he recently spoke about his departure from the Blues and his future plans during an exclusive Q&A in aid of the Willow Foundation at the London Football Awards.
“I am absolutely grateful for the opportunity I had to coach Chelsea,” Lampard said, according to ESPN.
“It was an incredible moment. Everyone knows how I feel about the club ”.
He added: “Soccer has consumed my life first as a player and then as a coach. Nobody wants to lose their job. But when you get into this career, it can happen, no matter how good you think you are.
“It has given me a lot more time to be home. It has been great to be with the family.
“As I say, how much it consumes you when you are inside is a big problem. You can’t take away your love of the game. I like to stay involved.
Lampard seems eager to quickly return to management after having rejected a couple of approaches, though he insists the opportunity must be the right one.
The 42-year-old former Derby County manager has been linked to the England Under-21 job amid great doubts about the future of Aidy Boothroyd, who is out of contract this summer and failed to lead the Young Lions to the knockout stages of the European Championship.
“It would be something that I really want to do at the right time and place. My eyes are always on it. I’m always watching football and trying to improve, ”Lampard said of his return to management.
“I will try to find the right time and the right opportunity. I really want to go back to work.
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