Frank Lampard was informed this morning by Chelsea that he was sacked.

Chelsea announced at midday today the dismissal of their manager after a poor run of results.

Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol reported today: "The board could not see a way for Lampard to reverse the negative direction of travel.

"The board were very concerned about the lack of confidence, form and momentum.

"Lampard was told at the start of the season that the target was to close the gap on Liverpool and Man City and to be challenging at the top. That has not happened so a change had to be made. The aim was not just to finish in the top four.

"Chelsea felt they had no option but to make the change now in order to give Tuchel as much time as possible to turn their season around.

"Tuchel is being appointed because he is the best man for the job – it has nothing to do with him being German and nothing to do with trying to get the best out of Werner, Havertz and Rudiger.

"Lampard was told this morning. As always, he took it like the ultimate professional."