Mourinho gets ‘mutually consented’

Jose Mourinho has left Chelsea.

Monday night’s 2-1 defeat at Leicester was the final nail in the coffin of the self professed ‘Special One’ with Chelsea left sitting one point clear of the relegation places.

Last week Mourinho guided Chelsea into the last 16 of the Champions League but after losing nine out of 16 Premier League matches the parting of the ways was announced late this afternoon.

A club statement read: “Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent.

“All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.

“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.

“But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.

“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.

“His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge.

“The club’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential.”

Gus Hiddink has been installed as the early favourite to replace Mourinho on a caretaker basis.

After two spells at Chelsea either side of stints at Inter Milan and Real Madrid Mourinho is likely to be part of a summer managerial merry-go-round likely to involve Pep Guardiola who is out of contract at the end of the season.