Tuchel hails Lampard ahead of Sunday match

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has hailed his predecessor Frank Lampard ahead of their game vs Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Tuchel revealed he and Lampard has never met as he hailed the former Blues star, while adding that he sent him a message when he arrived at Stamford Bridge.

‘He sent me a very kind and respectful message after I took over at Chelsea, which meant a lot to me because I was a huge fan of him as a player and he is – and will remain – a legend at our club. This is absolutely sure and a given,’ Tuchel revealed.

‘I was very happy when he wrote me this very gentleman-like message. We didn’t have the chance to go out and have lunch, then he took the chance to take charge of Everton and he took Joe Edwards [assistant coach] away from us, so we were not so happy with that!,’ Tuchel added jokingly.

‘Of course, we were involved so we will meet some familiar faces on the other side, with Ashley Cole, Joey and Frank. I never met him in person so I will be happy to meet him but we arrive with our team, we need the points and they need the points urgently as well.’