Mourinho’s departure came with the team languishing just above the relegation zone only seven months after winning the Premier League and only four months into Mourinho’s new four-year contract.
“It was a decision taken to protect the interests of the club,” Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said.
“Whilst there is huge sentiment for the individual who has done so much for the club, the fact of the matter remains that Chelsea Football Club is in trouble.
“The results are not good. There obviously seemed to be a palpable discord between manager and players. And we feel it was time to act. The owner is forced to make what was a very tough decision for the good of the club.”
Reports have emerged that former Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink will take over from Mourinho.
Former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman says Hiddink will be the new manager.
“I don’t know if it has been officially confirmed yet, but Hiddink just told me he was the new coach,” Kezman, who played for Chelsea in the 2004-2005 season, was quoted as saying by Croatian media.
“Hiddink is a great expert and an even better psychologist, hence I am confident he will get Chelsea back to winning ways in the Premier League and go all the way in the Champions League.”
The worst-ever start for a defending champion team in the Premier League was compounded on Monday by a 2-1 loss to surprise leaders Leicester.
After the match, Mourinho said he was “betrayed” by his players – exposing a dressing room rift.
“This is essentially the same group of players who won the league and the League Cup last season. They did in style and they did it by showing commitment and by sweating tears and blood for the club when needed,” Emenalo said.
“The players have a responsibility to go out and prove everybody wrong and show a certain level of commitment … to try to get the club up the league table.”
The personal conduct of the “Special One” was also proving damaging to Chelsea, with Mourinho engaging in public spats with referees, a television rights holder and even the club’s doctor over the last year.
However, he was farewelled with the club’s best wishes on Thursday.
“All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013,” Chelsea 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.
“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.”
Emenalo indicated that one of the “quality coaches embedded” at Chelsea would be in temporary charge for Saturday’s home match against Sunderland, raising questions about the Hiddink reports.
First hired by Chelsea in 2004, Mourinho ended a 50-year league title drought and defended the trophy among other successes before being sacked after losing a power struggle three years later with owner Roman Abramovich.
– AP
