Chelsea sack Jose Mourinho after Premier League slump

Jose Mourinho's second spell as Chelsea manager ended on Thursday "by mutual consent". The 52-year-old Portuguese was dismissed seven months after leading Chelsea to their fourth Premier League title. It was his third championship with the west London club since taking the reins for the first time at the start of the 2004/5 season.

Jose Mourinho was given his marching orders four months into the 2015/16 Premier League season. Reuters/Juan Medina

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich bade farewell to Mourinho 16 games into the 2015/16 season. Since an opening day draw with Swansea in August, the side has suffered nine defeats. Last season they lost three games.

A statement from the club said: "It is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways."

Technical director Michael Emenalo told Chelsea TV that the hierarchy had to act.

"Whilst there is huge sentiment for the individual who has done so much for the club, the facts of the matter remain that Chelsea Football Club is in trouble. The results are not good.There obviously seems to be a palpable discord between manager and players."

Chelsea said that Mourinho had left on good terms, two years after returning to the club following spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

"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," Chelsea said in a statement.

"But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season."

The former Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink is understood to be among the possible candidates to take over in the short term.

Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone and Italy coach Antonio Conte are reported to be possible long-term successors.

"The club is working vigorously and actively to make sure that the situation with regards to a managerial appointment is taken care of as soon as possible," Emenalo said.

Chelsea host Sunderland on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho's last game in charge was a 2-1 defeat at Leicester City managed by Claudio Rainer, the man he replaced at Stamford Bridge when he first arrived from Porto in 2004.