Rangers manager Steven Gerrard says he wasn't surprised at how Chelsea acted the way they did in dismissing Frank Lampard.

As players, Gerrard and Lampard were England team-mates for many years and Premier League rivals at Liverpool and Chelsea respectively.

Gerrard is currently charting a course that should see Rangers crowned Scottish Premiership champions this year. Lampard was sacked as Chelsea boss yesterday after 18 months in charge.

Gerrard feels Lampard will return to management before long.

"Gutted for Frank, someone I respect greatly, but knowing the guy he'll be back before no time. He'll dust himself down and he'll get ready to get back involved. I think he'll use this time to spend with his family. He's obviously got a young family and one on the way."

Chelsea have burned through over 10 full-time managers since Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003.

So Gerrard, who once almost became a Chelsea player, isn't shocked Lampard is the latest casualty of a ruthless regime at Stamford Bridge.

"Disappointed for him. I thought it was a very swift exit on the back of a positive result at the weekend, but I don't know the details. I don't know how it's been for him. I don't know his relationships that he's had inside the club. I did think it was an opportunity for Chelsea to really reach out and support him during this tough period of results, rather than do what they've done. Chelsea have got a history for that, so it was no surprise."

Chelsea are expected to name 47-year-old German Thomas Tuchel as their new manager today.

Tuchel guided Paris Saint Germain to the Champions League decider last season.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss may take charge of Wednesday's Premier League game against Wolves.

Right now, the Pensioners lie ninth in the Premier League, but in the knockout stage of this season's Champions League.