Kezman, quoted on the website of Croatian newspaper Index, said Hiddink has told him he will succeed Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
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However, with Chelsea now languishing down in 16th place in the table and sitting just a point above the relegation zone after 16 games of the season, Mourinho was dismissed by the club for the second time.
He was brought back in 2013 by Abramovich in an attempt to restore unity to the club following the divisiveness caused by the appointment of Rafa Benitez as interim manager, who was regularly jeered by fans.
“The results aren’t good”.
“I always think it’s quite a sad state of affairs when a team of players actually plays better when their manager has been sacked”.
Former Nigeria global Emenalo, part of the Chelsea management structure since 2007 and head of the club’s worldwide and domestic scouting network, said Russian billionaire Abramovich had made a “tough decision”.
“Make no mistake about it, Chelsea Football Club is one of the biggest clubs in the world and is one point above relegation in the English Premier League”.
“Anybody, any fan, or those who have any kind of affiliation to the club can understand this club is in trouble”.
Mourinho was also criticised for his handling of Eva Carneiro’s role at Chelsea.
Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas was forced to fend off rumours of dressing room revolts against Mourinho earlier in the season.
Are Chelsea right to sack Jose Mourinho?
Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone and Italy coach Antonio Conte are reported to be possible long-term successors.
Ex-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola would be Chelsea’s favourite of favourites, but the Spaniard would only be available next season after his contract with German Champions Bayern Munich runs out. Whether he is interested remains to be seen as the prepares to announce his future plans.
“It’s incredible that a team that were champions a year ago are now fighting for survival”.
Emenalo is confident Chelsea’s coaching staff can cope in the short term, starting with Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Sunderland.
“The same people need to remember that this is essentially the same group of players who won the league and league cup last season”.
“They did it in style, and they did it by showing commitment, and by sweat and blood, tears and blood for the club, when needed”.
“It was a decision taken to protect the interests of the club”, Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said. That’s what they have to do, that’s what they’re supposed to do, that’s what they’ve been trying to do.
Chelsea confirmed Mourinho’s departure in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
“Jose is a superb coach but the results and position in the league are catastrophic and unbecoming the reputation of a club like Chelsea”.
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Over two stints at the helm the Portuguese guided Chelsea to three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a Community Shield and three League Cup crowns.
