Tuchel hails Lampard for setting up a UCL & FA Cup double at Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel has hailed former manager Frank Lampard for 'laying the foundations' to get Chelsea to both the Champions League and FA Cup finals.

The Blues are gearing for a massive three weeks before the season comes to a close, taking on Leicester in the FA Cup final this weekend before facing Man City in the Champions League final on May 29.

The club are also in pole position for a top-four finish and Tuchel has credited his predecessor for helping Chelsea get into such a promising position.

When asked if Lampard deserves credit ahead of Wednesday night's London derby against Arsenal in the Premier League, Tuchel replied: Frank had an amazing record in the group stage of the Champions League.

'Won all the FA Cup games. He's laid the foundation to get us to finals and we don't feel ashamed or have any fear to speak it out loud. It felt like that on the first day. I am aware Frank created his own legacy as a player and make it bigger as a coach.

'We stepped in halfway through the season and tried to fulfil the job he had began.

Tuchel also revealed that he hasn't spoken to Lampard since their initial contact following his sacking at the end of January.

The German added: 'Frank resembles everything you think about Chelsea. You think about Frank Lampard, the way he is, how he played football.

'This shows his character and the message he sent was a pleasure to receive. We had a message a couple of days after we arrived but nothing more.'