PREMIER LEAGUE: Jose Mourinho sacked as Chelsea manager
Chelsea have sacked Jose Mourinho as manager, seven months after he clinched the Premier League title for a third time at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea have sacked manager Jose Mourinho seven months after he led them to the Premier League title.
The 52-year-old Portuguese had been in his second spell at the club after taking over again in 2013.
Chelsea finished eight points clear last season and also won the League Cup, but have endured a terrible start to their defence, losing nine of their 16 league games so far.
Mourinho's final match was Monday's 2-1 defeat at leaders Leicester City.
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Guss Hiddink, who managed the club for a short spell in 2009 following the sacking of Luis Felipe Scolari, is expected to take charge until the end of the season.
The 69-year-old Dutchman won 17, drew 5 and lost just one of his 23 matches in charge, scoring 44 goals and condeding 20 - a win rate of 73.91%
A statement on the Chelsea website said: "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.
"There will be no further comment until a new appointment is made."
New manager odds
Guus Hiddink 9/2
Juande Ramos 5/1
Pep Guardiola 6/1
Carlo Ancelotti 7/1
Diego Simeone 9/1
Fabio Capello 12/1
Brendan Rodgers 12/1
Antonio Conte 12/1
Ronald Koeman 20/1
Andre Villas-Boas 20/1
Mark Hughes 25/1
Didier Drogba 25/1
