Jose Mourinho sacked by Chelsea
JOSE Mourinho has been sacked as Chelsea manager with former Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink set to take over until the end of the season.
JOSE MOURINHO has been sacked as Chelsea manager with former Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink set to take over at Chelsea until the end of the season.
“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,” Chelsea said in a statement. “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.”
The Sun reports that the Special One was axed for the second time by Roman Abramovich after the club slumped to 16th spot, one point out of the relegation zone — just seven months after being crowned Premier League champions.
Thank you for all you have done for me. I owe you a lot and we will all miss you. Good luck in the future. pic.twitter.com/RQlOTFrtzU
— Cesc Fà bregas Soler (@cesc4official) December 17, 2015Mourinho lost the support of the dressing room after accusing them of betraying him following the 2-1 defeat at Leicester, Chelsea’s ninth loss in the league this season.
And he finally lost the support of Abramovich, who has watched his club fall apart in front of his eyes this season.
His star-studded team have picked up just 15 points from 16 games and lost nine times — their worst start to a top-flight season since 1978-79 when they were relegated.
He's reacted badly to the news. pic.twitter.com/iECaSUe0pb
— Graham Ruthven (@grahamruthven) December 17, 2015
Mourinho was also shown the door in 2007 before returning in 2013 following spells with Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
It will be the second time Dutchman Hiddink has taken over at Stamford Bridge on an interim basis — after being parachuted into the role in 2009 to replace Brazilian World Cup winner Luis Felipe Scolari.
Hiddink is best remembered in Australia as the man who guided the nation to a first World Cup appearance in 32 years when he took the team to the knock-out stage of the 2006 tournament in Germany. Abramovich has sacked seven full-time managers since taking over the club in 2004.
Mourinho was hauled in to see club officials this afternoon, and told he was being relieved of his duties and that he will be paid up until the end of the season — around £1.8m (3.8 million).
The former Real Madrid boss won the Premier League and Capital One Cup last season.
But after giving his players an extended break over the summer and failing to make waves in the transfer market, this campaign saw an alarming slump in form for the Blues.
Eva Carneiro! https://t.co/l5AWttYrRe
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 17, 2015Player of the year Eden Hazard has looked a shadow of his former self, while the goals have dried up for Spain international Diego Costa.
And Mourinho is still facing legal action from former club doctor Eva Carneiro after the pair clashed during the opening-day draw against Swansea.
Chelsea’s fans stood by Mourinho throughout but with the Blues languishing in 16th place heading into the festive period, Abramovich was forced into action.
Mourinho won the Premier League three times during his two spells in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho's third stint as Chelsea manager will be really great.
— Brooks Peck (@BrooksDT) December 17, 2015
He also completed a hat-trick of League Cup wins and led the club to one FA Cup success, but the Champions League always eluded him.
Abramovich may opt to bring in a temporary replacement, with one eye on luring Pep Guardiola to the Bridge when his Bayern Munich deal runs out this summer.
This article originally appeared in The Sun.
Originally published as Jose Mourinho sacked by Chelsea
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