Lampard was informed of his fate on Monday morning, and Chelsea is now expected to announce Tuchel as his successor.

Chelsea’s statement said: “Chelsea Football Club has split today from its manager Frank Lampard.

“This was a very difficult decision, and the owner and the board did not take it lightly.

“We are grateful to Frank for what he has achieved in his time as head coach of the club. However, the results and recent performance have not met the club’s expectations, leaving the club in the middle of the schedule with no clear path to continuous improvement.”

“There can never be a good time to abandon a club legend like Frank, but after deliberation and lengthy consideration, it was decided that change was needed now to give the club time to improve performance and results this season.”

He would have been sent off immediately after Leicester’s defeat to Leicester, which was Chelsea’s fifth in eight Premier League matches, had the club had an internal candidate for caretaker responsibility.

But without a temporary replacement ready, Chelsea had to start putting the finishing touches on Lampard’s successor with Tuchel being considered the best man available for the job.

Confident in his ability to change performances and recent results, Lampard was relieved by his Sunday’s FA Cup win over Luton Town.

But Abramovi was concerned that one of the top four places would disappear from view, and he believed Chelsea were nowhere near challenging Manchester City and Liverpool, who were the target early in the season.

While Tochel’s arrival is partly aimed at trying to make the best use of two of Chelsea’s biggest summer signings – German citizens Timo Werner And Kai Havertz – Chelsea think the entire team needs a lift.

Werner missed a penalty in the win over Lawton despite the better performance, while Havertz appeared late as a substitute.

Tuchel’s appointment would also be seen as a bit of a risk, given Chelsea Been warned of it During the reign of Antonio Conte due to his disagreements with his former employers.

Chelsea has yet to confirm any of the cast members in Lampard’s backroom will leave with him, but assistant Judy Morris is expected to follow him out of the exit door.