Chelsea have confirmed reports that they've unexpectedly parted company with manager Jose Mourinho after a crisis meeting this evening.
A brief statement on the Blues' official website, read: "Chelsea Football Club and José Mourinho have agreed to part company today (Thursday) by mutual consent."
Mourinho is reported to have text messaged five senior players this evening to tell them that he is leaving the Blues, who could only draw at home with Rosenborg in their opening Champions League tie on Tuesday.
The set-back followed disappointing results in the Premiership against both Aston Villa and Blackburn, results that had left Mourinho visably on edge.
The Portuguese coach was said to have fallen out with owner Roman Abramovich last season, although the dispute was believed to be behind the pair. However, poor form plus difficulties with star names Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack appear to have put further strain on their relationship.
The 'Special One' still had three years left on a contract, worth a staggering £6.5m a year, but Abramovich is believed to be prepared pay a huge slice of that in order to end their relationship.
Mourinho arrived at Chelsea having won the Champions League with Porto in 2004 and he continued his success with back-to-back Premiership titles. However, last season Manchester United beat the Blues to the league crown, although they did manage to lift both domestic cups.
Reports have immediately linked Sevilla boss Juande Ramos with the job and ironically the Spaniard is already in London having seen his side lose 3-0 to Arsenal in their Champions League encounter this evening.
It seems more than likely that current Russia coach Guus Hiddink will also be considered among the frontrunners for the job.
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