Guardiola Reacts to Frank Lampard’s Sacking by Chelsea

Pep Guardiola has reacted to Chelsea’s sacking of Frank Lampard stressing the importance of results to managers. Lampard was cut loose by the Chelsea hierarchy on Monday after a string of poor results.

The former Chelsea and Man City midfielder is widely regarded as a legend of the London club. But that has not stopped the club from firing him having spent heavily to bolster the squad last summer. With £220 million ($275m) splashed out on player recruitment, the Blues were expected to challenge Liverpool and City for the league title this term.

So far, that has not been the case as the side is currently languishing in ninth place on the league table, behind all of Everton, West Ham and Aston Villa. That, despite topping the table earlier in the season thereby raising hopes of the title gracing Stamford Bridge.

Known for his impatience, club owner Roman Abramovic decided enough was enough thereby bringing an end to the former midfielder’s reign as manager.

Reacting to the development, Guardiola says he understands the decision. He added that good results remain the currency that buys a manager time at any club.

“Young and old managers - here you have to win,” Guardiola stated. “The people talk about projects and ideas but it doesn’t exist. You have to win, if not, you will be sacked.

“I respect the decision from Chelsea, of course, but a huge hug for Frank and hopefully I can see him soon. When the lockdown will be over I can go to the restaurant to see him again.

“He was appointed at a team like Chelsea after the good job he had done at Derby County, these people deserve it. But we depend on the results, not the way we play, not about philosophy or these kinds of things or the projects.

“You have to get results. If you don’t, you will be replaced by another manager.”

The City boss has never been sacked before in his 12-year career as a manager. But that is because he has often delivered spectacular results. His time at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and now City has seen him lift several trophies with the sides. Apart from his first year at the Etihad Stadium, he has not gone a campaign without securing silverware.

Despite that, speculations still emerge from time to time concerning his future. However, he has managed to stay longer at City than at any of his previous jobs.

Lampard was not so fortunate as the 42-year-old was in charge at Stamford Bridge for just over 18 months. He leaves following five defeats in his last eight games with former Paris Saint-Germain gaffer Thomas Tuchel expected to succeed him.

Wishing our former midfielder the best in his future endeavours.