Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea homecoming officially has ended in disaster.
Chelsea announced on its website Thursday it has fired Mourinho as manager. Mourinho’s departure ends his second spell at the club, which started out with promise but veered off course in 2015-16, his third season.
Chelsea currently sits 16th in the Premier League standings after 16 games. Its chances of successfully defending its Premier League title are all but gone, as are its hopes of finishing in the top four places and qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
“Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent,” the club’s statement said. “… 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’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential,” the statement added.
Mourinho’s numerous run-ins with players and staff this season are believed to be among the main causes of Chelsea’s struggles this season. He retained the support of large segments of Chelsea’s fan base but ultimately lost the backing of owner Roman Abramovich and the Blues’ other directors.
Rumored candidates to replace Mourinho include former Chelsea managers Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti, former Tottenham manager Juande Ramos and former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. The new manager likely will take over as a caretaker until the end of the season, at which time Chelsea will appoint Mourinho’s long-term successor.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@FA
