Is Thomas Tuchel ready for the sturm und drang of Chelsea?

It is difficult not to conclude that at least part of the reason for Chelsea parting ways with Frank Lampard has been to deflect attention from the lack of impact of their latest big-money signings

PARTING WAYS: Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard relied more heavily upon academy talent than any of his predecessors, However, it is difficult not to conclude that at least part of the reason for the ending of the short-lived Lampard regime has been to deflect attention from the lack of impact of the latest big-money acquisitions. Picture: Clive Mason

The signs that it was all up for Frank Lampard came in a gruff exchange with a journalist at a press conference ostensibly called to discuss a forthcoming FA Cup tie with Luton.

Lampard, dressed in black and sporting heavy stubble, a steps-of-the-gallows look once favoured by his mentor José Mourinho, responded to a question about dressing room confidence by accusing the reporter of “confirmation bias” in his writings about the club.