Reaction to the sacking of Chelsea manager Frank Lampard on Monday:

"This was a very difficult decision for the Club, not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect for him. He is a man of great integrity and has the highest of work ethics. However, under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers" - Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

"Utterly ludicrous after his first bad run. It was always going to need time given so many new signings feeling their way into a new club. Patience being a virtue is seldom recognised in this sport. They never learn" - former England striker Gary Lineker commenting on reports Lampard would be sacked.

"It took him a little bit too long to get his team playing the way he wanted it, and I think the price tag he had on it really was one of the crucial decisions for the club." - former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot.

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