His first priority will be to breathe life into Chelsea’s Premier League campaign after the champions lost nine of their first 16 matches this season – a calamitous run that ended with three-times title victor Mourinho’s dismissal on Thursday.
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“The owner and the board welcome back a coach with a wealth of top-level experience and success, including his previous spell with the club in 2009 when we lifted the FA Cup”, Chelsea said in a statement. If I can’t find a solution in the squad I’ve got to find one in January and see where we go from there.
Hiddink watched from Roman Abramovich’s box, joined by Didier Drogba, though Chelsea played down ideas of their former striker re-joining in a coaching capacity as “rumours”.
Costa and Fabregas bore the brunt of Chelsea supporters’ ire during Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge as a result of reports claiming that they, along with reigning PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard, played key roles in the departure of Jose Mourinho.
“We players have to look at our performances and take responsibility for where Chelsea sit in the table right now”.
“I told the players whatever their feelings were regarding the situation, they had a responsibility to the football club and the supporters”, said Holland, who took charge of the team with Hiddink watching from the stands.
“I think we let them turn on the style in many ways”, said Allardyce, blaming his men for defeat and not Mourinho’s midweek sacking.
“He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn’t exhausted, he doesn’t need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward”, said a statement from CAA, which also said Mourinho would remain in London.
Pro-Mourinho banners were visible around the ground – one bearing the message “You let Jose down, you let us down” – and his name was chanted by the home supporters right from kick-off. Nor was it a spur-of-the-moment decision; Mr Abramovich and the board anguished over it for some time.
“Please believe me when I say the decision was made for no reason other than to do what we believe is in the best interests of this club”, he added.
I can’t thank our home and travelling fans enough because you have been unbelievable.
“We will not forget what Jose achieved here during his two spells as manager”.
“We have quality players and they care”.
“For us it was a very emotional day, but I think we have the support of everyone in the club”.
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Mourinho attended the Championship match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Middlesbrough on Saturday in his first public appearance since his sacking.
