Frank Lampard's future is reportedly hanging in the balance with Chelsea searching for a replacement manager following the Blues' latest defeat.
Manchester City emerged dominant 3-1 victors from Stamford Bridge on Sunday night, extending Chelsea's dire run to four defeats in their last six Premier League games.
The Blues were touted as title contenders only one month ago but their latest loss leaves them eighth in the league with a number of expensive summer signings yet to make their mark.
The dismal loss of form has placed huge pressure on Lampard, who finds himself fighting for his job 18 months after his appointment as Chelsea boss.
Lampard must swiftly put an end to the downward spiral to avoid his dismissal, and it is still possible he could see out the season, according to The Athletic .
But the report warns Stamford Bridge chiefs have already started the search for the next Chelsea manager, and it may already be a matter of 'when' rather than 'if' Lampard is replaced.
The Blues hierarchy are also concerned about the poor form of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, who arrived in west London for hefty fees of £47.5million and £72million respectively last summer.
Forward Werner is without a goal in 12 matches, while Havertz had to settle for a spot on the bench against City after failing to hit form in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Lampard is also believed to be at loggerheads with a number of players in his squad, including some he has passed over in recent matches.
This has not gone unnoticed and there are substantial concerns about the overall mood at Chelsea's training ground.
Lampard is under contract at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2022 and has declared he would like to extend his stay with Chelsea. But a resounding defeat by City means his future may not be in his own hands.
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