Chelsea announced on Monday they had sacked manager Frank Lampard after a poor run in the Premier League .
“ This was a very difficult decision for the club , not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect for him , ” said owner Roman Abramovich .
Chelsea are struggling in ninth place in the Premier League table, 11 points behind leaders Manchester United .
They have lost five of their past eight Premier League matches after a good start to the season.
FormerParis Saint - Germain boss Thomas Tuchel in line to take over, reports said .