BRENDAN RODGERS has slammed Chelsea for ‘not giving Frank Lampard time’ before his sacking – but Pep Guardiola sympathised with the club.
Blues legend Lampard, 42, was given the boot on Monday morning after a horror run of form in the Premier League and a year-long battle with club chiefs behind the scenes.
The former Derby boss was given his marching orders after chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia called him in for a meeting on Monday morning.
After a 30-minute chat, Lampard was relieved of his duties – with former Chelsea reserve team boss Rodgers, whose Leicester beat the Blues 2-0 in their most-recent Premier League game, devastated for him.
Rodgers told Sky Sports: “I’m really sad for Frank, I know how much the club means for him.
“Looking at the squad, and how young they are, it’s a team and squad that needs time.
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“Unfortunately he hasn’t been given that time.
“I really, really feel for him… he had the courage to step out of an amazing career as a player.
“He could have had an easier route, done a great job at Derby and he couldn’t really turn it down.
“He did a good job last season. Results might not have been what he wanted as he is a winner.
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“He needed time and sadly for him he hasn’t got that time.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola admitted Chelsea may have made the correct, albeit difficult, decision – because managers must win games these days.
The Manchester City boss said: “You have to win… the people talk about projects and ideas, but it doesn’t exist.
“You have to win, if not, you will be sacked.
“I respect the decision from Chelsea, of course, but a huge hug for Frank and hopefully I can see him soon.
“When the lockdown will be over I can go to the restaurant to see him again.
“He was appointed a team like Chelsea after the good job he had done he had done at Derby… these people deserve it.
“But we depend on the results, not the way we play, not about philosophy or these kind of things or the projects.
“You have to get results if you don’t, you will be replaced by another manager.”
However, Guardiola did echo Rodgers’ sentiment, suggesting managers need time to settle.
The Spaniard continued: “I’m not judging the decision from Chelsea, I’m not there. So.. respect.
“Every manager needs time and that is an exception that happens few places all around the world.
“It’s difficult, you talk about the projects in the next years or whatever…
“[But] in one month you can drop everything you’ve built because the opponents are good too… they can win.
“And when that happens there’s always the risk you are out.”
Thomas Tuchel is now expected to take over at Chelsea and is set to arrive in time for Wednesday’s game at home to Wolves after agreeing to terms.
