Thomas Tuchel asked the Chelsea board if they were sure about sacking Frank Lampard before he took over.
The German arrived at Stamford Bridge in January after the Blues opted to axe their record goalscorer.
Lampard spent 18 months at the helm but a poor run of results after a summer of hefty recruitment saw Roman Abramovich, once again, show a manager the exit door.
The former Blue had the backing of the club's fans, who retained a huge affection for the man who spent 13 years in west London.
However his reputation wasn't enough to save him with the hierarchy when results nosedived.
Tuchel though was aware of Lampard's popularity and challenge Chelsea chiefs on their decision amid fears of a backlash.
He told Sky Sports : "I actually said to the board, 'are you sure of doing this? Because they will not like you. Maybe he deserves more time.' Because when I think of Chelsea I think about Frank Lampard, John Terry, Petr Cech, Didier Drogba.
"I think about him in the very first moment because he embodies everything that Chelsea is: hard work, aggressive player, big leader but at the same time a normal guy on the pitch and such a team player. A true, true legend.
"But I clearly understood the choice was more or less made and it was take it or leave it.
"Then I hoped for a fair chance with the players because when you step in, there is not everybody happy from 20, 22 players.
"You cannot expect everybody to be happy with the manager gone, especially because he had a good [Champions League] group stage, good results, good performances and sometimes he was also simply unlucky, with what the data showed to us.
"But I said very early, 'listen guys, I did not push him out. I am just here now to continue in my way and let's try to be open and give us a chance together.'
"I'm in a top club with fantastic support, super organised and strong group on the field. It's a pleasure to work every day and it's like this since day one."
Tuchel's appointment proved to be an inspired choice as he delivered the Champions League which has since been followed by the UEFA Super Cup.
He is now planning a title charge having added Romelu Lukaku in attack for a club record fee this summer.
Chelsea began their season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Crystal Palace and take on Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
