New Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel hopes the club and their fans will remain united after the sacking of Frank Lampard on Monday.

Asked if he felt fans may show anger over Lampard's sacking, the ex-Borussia Dortmund manager said: "I hope not because it would be hard on the team."

"The fans are so close and behind the team, it makes a big difference," Tuchel added.

"I know it was a big disappointment for the fanbase that Frank was sacked and I have the biggest respect. I was a huge fan of Frank as a player.

"The club made clear to me this is not my fault, I cannot change the situation for him. The decision was made and I was handed the opportunity."