Chelsea and manager Jose Mourinho have parted ways heading into the end of the Premier League schedule in December following a tough run for the defending league champs. The team released a statement on Thursday announcing the news and thanking Mourinho for his work with the club.
Mourinho took over the team for the second time in his career back in 2013 and he had a nice run of success, culminating in the league title last season. But this year has been a very different story, as the club has not been able to play consistent football and has been struggling near the bottom of the league table. Last season the team won the League Cup and finished eight points ahead on the table, but this year the team is sitting at number 16 on the table.
Mourinho's last match with Chelsea was another defeat with Leicester City winning 2-1 and now he is out as manager. According to BBC Sport, Pep Guardiola, Guus Hiddink, Brendan Rodgers and Juande Ramos are potential options to take over for Chelsea with Mourinho out. Chelsea has struggled in league play this season, but the team has made it through in the Champions League to the round of 16.
Mourinho previously signed a new contract in August and he leaves Chelsea after winning three Premier League titles overall during his two stints with the club. Mourinho has been one of the most successful managers for the club, but this season the team has struggled and the club felt a new direction was needed. Chelsea has won just four league matches this season and has lost nine of their 16 games in the EPL.
"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," read part of the statement from the team.
