Nine defeats in 16 games have seen the reigning Premier League champions slither to within a point of the relegation zone and technical director Michael Emenalo said that Chelsea had had no choice but to act. “I would publicly like to thank Jose Mourinho for his contribution to this club and for everything he has taught me over the years”.
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Hiddink, who led Australia to the second round of the 2006 World Cup, won the FA Cup during a previous spell as Chelsea caretaker boss six-and-a-half years ago – having replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari in February.
“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”.
Now Emenalo has further backed Chelsea’s players, insisting none of the Stamford Bridge squad had any part to play in Mourinho’s exit.
The personal conduct of the self-styled “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 a year ago.
Hiddink pledged to hear Chelsea’s offer in full before deciding whether to accept the challenge, suggesting first team coach Steve Holland could take charge of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
The former Real Madrid boss had been tipped to coach PSG in the past, although the French club have long since cooled their interest due to both Laurent Blanc’s success and concerns over Mourinho’s relationship with his players and his style of play.
Ms Carneiro is pursuing an unfair dismissal claim against the club after Mourinho labelled his medical staff “naive” for rushing onto the field to treat Eden Hazard at the end of the 2-2 draw with Swansea in August.
Chelsea announced Mourinho’s departure in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
Media speculation had been mounting about Mourinho’s position and it reached a crescendo after Monday’s defeat when he accused some of the players of “betraying his work”.
Who do you think should be Chelsea’s next manager?
“I worked four days on this match”.
“They played to instruction”.
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“I believe we are more than capable of causing a few upsets during the festive period”, Cattermole continued.
