Frank Lampard will likely be overlooked by Chelsea for a Champions League medal this season if they go all the way – despite his crucial impact on their progress to the group stage.
The former England midfielder was in charge of the Blues until January 25, when Thomas Tuchel was recruited to replace him, but their form in Europe had been better than their recent Premier League outings.
Lampard oversaw a draw against Sevilla and won twice over Krasnodar and Rennes before being sacked, which would be almost a third of their matches if they reached the final.
However, as was reported about Philippe Coutinho when Liverpool reached the final after leaving for Barcelona, the medal award goes to the winning club.
Article 11.03 of the 2020/21 Champions League regulations states: “The winning team receives 40 gold medals and the second with 40 silver medals. Additional medals cannot be produced.”
On their official website, Chelsea currently have 25 non-loaned first-team players, as well as 14 members of the coaching staff, including Tuchel.
In a show of affection for the club legend, billionaire owner Roman Abramovich made a rare statement following the decision to terminate his contract prematurely.
He said: “It was a very difficult decision for the club, not least because I have a great personal relationship with Frank and have the utmost respect for him.
“He is a man of great integrity and has the highest work ethic. However, under the current circumstances, we believe it is better to change managers.
“On behalf of all club members, the board and personally, I would like to thank Frank for his work as head coach and wish him every success in the future.
“He is an important icon of this great club and his status here remains intact.
“He will always be warmly welcomed at Stamford Bridge.”
With Lampard saying of his departure: “It has been a huge privilege and an honor to manage Chelsea, a club that has been a big part of my life for so long.
“First of all, I would like to thank the fans for the incredible support I have received over the past 18 months. Hope they know what this means to me.
“When I took on this role, I understood the challenges that awaited me in a difficult time for the football club.
“I am proud of the achievements we have made and I am proud of the academy players who entered the first team and performed so well. They are the future of the club.”
READ MORE: From Keane to Thatcher: 15 worst tackles ever after Roofe’s kung fu kick
READ MORE: Darts legend Van Barneveld collapses and receives attention from paramedics during event