Royal Roundup: Frank Lampard out as Chelsea coach

Could Lampard land in MLS?, LAG making bid for Giovinco, Barcelona going bankrupt, MLS resumes talks with players union, and more.

By Kreg Asay Jan 27, 2021, 6:00am MST

Here’s your news from the world of Soccer for Wednesday.

INTERNATIONAL

Frank Lampard fired as Coach of Chelsea FC. (CFC) What led up to the decision? (WhoScored)
German Thomas Tuchel picked to replace Lampard and turn around struggling Chelsea. (Goal)
Studies over the past year have shown that playing without fans in the stadium has made players calmer. (Guardian)
Questions abound for Lampard after departing Chelsea, would an MLS team be willing to give him a shot? (FFT)
Last week’s EPL match between Manchester City and Aston Villa has prompted a rule change regarding offside calls. (Guardian)
Spanish superclub Barcelona is on the verge of bankruptcy with around $1.43 billion in debt. (Blaugranes)

Andres Perea received FIFA approval to switch from Columbia to USMNT, but questions remain as to how and where he will fit into the American system. (ASN)
FIFA has set the timeline for the selection of host cities for the Canada/Mexico/USA 2026 joint World Cup. Talks and in person visits from April-July to narrow picks from 23, down to 16 locations. (MLS)
US International Christian Pulisic gave an emotional thank you to Frank Lampard after he was fired from Chelsea. (Below) And questions remain about how the change will impact Pulisic. (NBCS)
USL League 1 announced May 8th start date with a 28 game season. (FRS)

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MLS, NWSL (and Soccer in general) could thrive with President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris both as fans. (FFT)
MLS has announced season details and dates for 2021. Preseason will start on Feb. 22 with first kick on April 3-4th, last years health protocols will remain in effect. Full Schedule to be released in the coming weeks. (MLS)
LA Galaxy have made an offer to bring Sebastian Giovinco back to MLS. Gio last played for Toronto FC in 2019 before moving to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. (US.AS)
As if Real Salt Lake fans need any more reason to hate Sporting Kansas City? Benny Feilhaber, who retired in 2019 is joining SKC’s technical staff. (MLS)
Expansion team Austin FC have announced their stadium naming rights - Q2 Stadium with multiyear partnership with Q2 Holdings Inc., an Austin based finance company. (MLS)
MLS and the Players League have finally started meetings regarding the Force Majeure notice which would invalidate the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. They have until Friday to reach a new agreement. (SSF)
Real Monarchs have added another forward to their ranks, Juan Vidal a 20 year old from Columbia who has played on their youth national teams. (RSL)

VIDEO OF THE DAY

RSL centerback Marcelo Silva paid a visit to Midvale Elementary this week to meet fans, and distribute meals for the school’s food pantry.