Frank Lampard’s Stamford Bridge reign came to an end on Monday after the club moved to sack their legend over a a few consecutive win-less run in the Premier League.
The former Blues midfielder led the club to a fourth-place finish in the league last season and to the final of the FA Cup final, where they lost to eventual winners, Arsenal.
In the wake of his dismissal, some fans and players took to their social media to bid the iconic midfielder farewell.
However, it is believed that some members of the squad held grudges against the 42-year-old English manager.
Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga number among these players that faulted Lampard’s method. The Athlectic reports.
It is said that the Englishman always informed players to “go out and express themselves”, rather than providing any more detailed instructions.
Lampard seemed to have had faith in some of his players even though they played woeful in games.
The former Derby County boss defended the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz a couple of times – appealing to the fans to remain patient with his £220m summer signings.
Although, there were times he had openly criticised his wards – not in a press conference after an unimaginable loss – but in the dressing room.
The ex England international reportedly labeled his players ‘lazy’ following their Boxing Day defeat to Arsenal.
Left-back Marcos Alonso also suffered a dressing down by Lampard in front of the squad before being substituted at half-time away at West Bromwich Albion this season.
It looked like there was an existing feud afterwards, which many believed brought about Lampard’s preference for Emerson on the left back, hereby pushing Alonso into obscurity.
The team will get to meet their new manager in the coming days as reports already suggest former PSG boss Thomas Tuchel is set to become Lampard’s successor.
