Jose Mourinho’s grip on his job as Chelsea’s manager appears to be secure — at least for now.
Mourinho retains the support of Chelsea’s board of directors, which doesn’t plan to replace him as manager during the November international break, The Mail’s Kieran Gill reported Sunday, and The BBC’s David Ornstein reported Monday. The reports come amid widespread speculation claiming Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is considering firing Mourinho.
Chelsea is the reigning Premier League champion, but its title defense is in shambles. Chelsea lost seven of its first 12 Premier League games — its worst start to a season in 37 years — and has little hope of finishing in the top four places and competing in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Mourinho, the most successful manager of his generation, is in an unprecedented rut.
The Portuguese tactician has behaved erratically since the start of the season. His criticism of players and staff have prompted many to question how much support he has in Chelsea’s camp, and his verbal barbs against referees have caused the Football Association to sanction him repeatedly.
However, Chelsea fans continue to back Mourinho, and his popularity has convinced Abramovich to give him extra time to reverse his team’s fortunes, The Daily Star’s David Armitage reported Thursday.
Mourinho might not have unconditional support from Chelsea’s board right now, but he has enough of it to continue doing a job he has vowed not to walk away from. That is, unless someone pushes him out.
Abramovich wins with unorthodox management style >>
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