Thomas Tuchel admitted that he asked Chelsea's board before he replaced Frank Lampard as head coaches if they were comfortable with sacking the club’s record goal-scorer because of his legendary status at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard, who was a Chelsea player and won 11 major trophies, was fired in January. Tuchel took over the charge after 18 months.
Even though his team was in a patchy state in the weeks before his departure, Lampard led Chelsea to the Champions League knockout stage on two occasions. He also managed a top-four Premier League finish, and he won the FA Cup final.
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In an exclusive interview, Tuchel discusses Lampard's accomplishments as both a player's manager and manager. This is live on Sky Sports.
Tuchel said: "I actually told the board, are you sure of doing that? They won't like you. Maybe he deserves more time.' When I think of Chelsea, I think of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Petr Cech.
"He is the embodiment of everything Chelsea is. He is hardworking, aggressive, a leader, but he's also a regular guy on the pitch, and such a great team player. A true, true legend.
"But I understood that the decision was made, and it was either take it or leave. Next, I hoped for fair chances with the players. After all, not everyone is happy when there are 20, 22 or more players.
Image: Frank Lampard, a former Derbyshire resident, returned to Chelsea in the summer 2019
"You can't expect everyone to be happy with the manager going, especially since he had a good [Champions League] team stage, good results and sometimes just plain unlucky, based on what the data showed.
"But, I said very quickly, 'listen guys. I didn't push him out. "I am here to keep going in my current direction, and let's be open to giving us a chance to work together.
"I am in a top club with great support, super organized and strong players. It's a joy to work everyday and it's been like this since the beginning.
Although Tuchel may have not questioned the Chelsea board's decision in hindsight, the German manager led his team to Champions League glory only four months after he took over.
For a better video player, please use Chrome browser. Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku said his team were ready to 'battle against Arsenal' at Emirates Stadium this weekend. Live on Sky Sports
The Blues have now been crowned the Premier League's favourites after their memorable win over Manchester City in Porto.
Tuchel acknowledges that the events of the last few months have raised expectations, but he is refusing any targets for silverware during his first campaign in west London.
He said, "We raised our bar." It creates expectations and demands. However, I hope that we don't let it affect us too much from the outside.
"I know what I expect from myself. It is the highest level. I know what my team can do - they are ambitious and really competitive.
Use Chrome browser to access a better video player. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Chelsea's victory against Crystal Palace in Premier League
"I believe we must be open and honest. We have to admit that we were fourth last year, so we need to close the gap with Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City. Because you need to see it in perspective, there will not be anyone who says that 'nothing but the title is a success.
"So, to put it another way, what is the biggest success in May? This is impossible and will only distract us. We demand the best and want to play with hunger, the same ambition.
"After a great success, you must start over. This is the essence of top-level sport and what we love.
Romelu Lukaku exudes a calm quality when he meets Sky Sports for an exclusive interview. As he talks to Geoff Shreeves about his Chelsea history, his decision to move to Italy, and why now is the best time for him, he looks calm, composed, and healthy.
It is not secret that Lukaku was a Chelsea fan as a child, admiring iconic players like Didier Drogba who he still keeps in touch with today.
Use Chrome browser to access a better video player Romelu Lukaku reveals that he is determined win titles upon his return to Chelsea.
Lukaku said that they spoke just a few days ago. They talked about Chelsea's past and the progress Lukaku has made.
Didier is a meticulous individual. Thierry Henry is very detail-oriented and it's those details that make the difference. We discuss individual exercises I enjoy, the goals of each exercise, and we also talk about how to win.
"He is a winner in every sense and that's what I want to accomplish for this football club."
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