'Palpable discord': Chelsea sack manager Jose Mourinho
Staring relegation in the face, club's Russian owner Roman Abramovich says enough is enough
Jose Mourinho's “palpable discord” with Chelsea players forced the club to abruptly end his second spell as manager on Thursday with the team languishing just above the relegation zone only seven months after winning the Premier League.
“Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent,” the club said on their official Twitter account.
“It was a decision taken to protect the interests of the club,” Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said. “Whilst there is huge sentiment for the individual who has done so much for the club, the fact of the matter remains that Chelsea Football Club is in trouble.
“The results are not good. There obviously seemed to be a palpable discord between manager and players. And we feel it was time to act. The owner is forced to make what was a very tough decision for the good of the club.”
The 52-year-old Portuguese man returned to Stamford Bridge for a second stint in charge in 2013 and last season led them to the title and a League Cup triumph.
Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by surprise leaders Leicester City on Monday, their ninth defeat in 16 league matches.