CHELSEA HAVE PARTED company with manager Jose Mourinho, the club confirmed this afternoon.
Mourinho’s sacking comes just seven months after he guided the club to the Premier League and League Cup and just four months after signing a new four-year deal.
However, Chelsea have really struggled this season, winning just four of their opening 16 league games this season, recording nine losses with the latest coming against table-toppers Leicester on Monday night.
A statement from the club today said:
“All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.
His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history. But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.
“The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea.
“His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge.
“The club’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential.
“There will be no further comment until a new appointment is made.”
The 52-year old leaves with Chelsea just a point off the relegation zone and 20 points behind Leicester with qualification for next season’s Champions League very much in doubt.
It was, of course, Mourinho’s second spell in charge of the club having won a further two league titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup during his first stint between 2004 and 2007.
Guss Hiddink (8/13), Pep Guardiola (4/1) Juande Ramos (4/1) and Carlo Ancelotti (6/1) are among the early favourites to replace Mourinho.
