Thomas Tuchel claims Mason Mount and Reece James would have been Chelsea stars with or without Frank Lampard.
One of the legacies Frank Lampard left at Chelsea was to allow the Chelsea Academy graduates to showcase their talent.
The likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, and Tammy Abraham are seen as Frank Lampard legacies because these players came to the limelight under the reign of Lampard as Chelsea manager.
Earlier this week, Tammy Abraham in an interview with BBC said he is grateful for the opportunity Frank Lampard gave him and stressed how he lost confidence under Thomas Tuchel.
However, Thomas Tuchel believes Mason Mount and Reece James would have been Chelsea stars with or without Frank Lampard as Thomas Tuchel prepares to meet his predecessor on Sunday.
What did Tuchel say?
Speaking ahead of their Sunday game against Everton, he said:
“I don’t know if it is gratitude [to Lampard],” he said, following last night’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United. “I don’t think Frank did it to do them a favor. I think every coach does it because it is all about helping the team. It is not about age. When you are ready, you are ready. I strongly believe you find your way if you have what it takes.
“I am very grateful for the quality the academy produces and grateful for the culture at Chelsea to push these boys through — and this is top, top quality.
“It is our job to let them play and to prepare and push them on this kind of level. This is what Chelsea is about.”
Thomas Tuchel also revealed that he is a big fan of the Chelsea legend after Frank Lampard sent him a good luck message when he took over the club.
‘’He sent me a very kind and respectful message after I took over,” Tuchel said.
“It meant a lot because I was a huge fan of his as a player and he’ll remain a legend at our club, that’s a given. I was very happy when he wrote me a gentlemanly message.’’
“We didn’t have the chance to go out and have lunch, and he also took the chance to go and take charge of Everton. He took an assistant from us, Joe Edwards, and was not so happy! Just joking. We will meet some friendly faces [on Sunday] with Joe and Ashley Cole, and Frank, who I have never met in person.
“I would love to meet him. We need the points, and they need the points urgently as well. It is an exciting week for me personally. I love to play at Old Trafford, and everybody tells me about the atmosphere at Goodison Park, how emotional and how tough it is to play there. These are two nice fixtures, what it is all about. I am excited to go there, and we expect a tough fight.”
Everton are currently battling relegation and at least a point if they want to stay in the Premier league next season.
