Here is your Chelsea morning digest for Tuesday, January 26.
Lampard speaks out following sacking
Frank Lampard released a statement via the League Manager's Association last night following his sacking by Chelsea.
After less than two years in charge, Lampard was dismissed after a run of five defeats in their last eight Premier League outings, forcing Roman Abramovich - the Blues owner - into a tough decision.
On leaving Stamford Bridge, Lampard said: "It has been a huge privilege and an honour to manage Chelsea, a club that has been a big part of my life for so long.
"Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for the incredible support that I have received over the last 18 months, I hope they know what that means to me.
"When I took on this role, I understood the challenges that lay ahead in a difficult time for the football club.
"I am proud of the achievements that we made and I am proud of the academy players that have made their step into the first team and performed so well. They are the future of the club. I am disappointed not to have had the time this season to take the club forward and bring it to the next level.
"I want to thank Mr. Abramovich, the board, players, my coaching team and everyone at the club for their hard work and dedication, especially in these unprecedented and challenge times. I wish the team and the club every success for the future."
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Klopp issues Tuchel verdict
Thomas Tuchel's impending arrival at Stamford Bridge to take over as Chelsea's new head coach is highly likely to be applauded by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Tuchel succeeded Klopp at Borussia Dortmund back in 2015 and enjoyed two successful years with the German heavyweights before being sacked.
However, Klopp is a big admirer of Tuchel's, lavishing him with praise back in 2019, providing hope to the Blues' supporters that the 47-year-old will prove to be a big hit at Stamford Bridge, as he prepares to step into the position left vacant by Lampard.
Speaking two years ago, Klopp said: "A fantastic, fantastic manager. You can see really his influence, it has changed a lot their style of play, how they play, different formations and stuff like that.
"I know a lot of people who have worked with him, they all are full of respect for him. You cannot be in the Champions League only because of spending money, that is not how it is.
"You need to have on the pitch a good organisation, because all the others we are not blind.
"We do our job as well and you need to have the right tools in the right moments and Thomas has that.”
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Blues keeping tabs on Dembele
According to a report by Diario Sport, Chelsea, along with Premier League rivals Manchester United, are interested in signing Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.
The 23-year-old, who has scored six times for Barcelona this season, could be forced to be sold because of the club's financial struggles.
The winger worked under Tuchel at Dortmund and the La Liga heavyweights could be left with little choice but to offload the France international.
Given that Tuchel is set to become Chelsea's new boss and has worked with him in the past, there could be a genuine chance that the Blues could look to sign the speedy attacker during the summer.
