CHELSEA PLAN FOR MOURINHO’S EXIT
CHELSEA are preparing for Jose Mourinho’s departure following Saturday’s implosion at West Ham.
Just three weeks after Roman Abramovich publicly backed the Portuguese following a poor start to the season, Mourinho’s job is back under review by the Stamford Bridge board.
It is possible that Mourinho will be given this week to save his job with a Capital One Cup clash at Stoke tomorrow and the league visit of Liverpool on Saturday, but a decision could come before then.
A defeat by Jurgen Klopp’s side would likely spell the end of his second spell in England.
Sportsmail understands the wheels have been set in motion for Mourinho’s exit following the 2-1 loss at Upton Park. Chelsea are 15th in the Premier League and have already lost six matches in all competitions this season.
A severance package has been discussed by club chiefs. Mourinho signed a new four-year deal worth £30million in August and Chelsea are obviously reluctant to pay him the full amount of his deal should they sack him.
Likewise, a potential successor would need to be identified and the lack of available high-quality managers is known to be a concern.
Chelsea are understood to have been contacted by a number of intermediaries on behalf of bosses
keen on the job. Carlo Ancelotti, who is on sabbatical, is understood to be interested in a return to the club he managed from 2009 to 2011, though it remains to be seen whether Abramovich would consider the Italian.
Guus Hiddink, who is also out of work, could be a shortterm option, having performed the same role for the last three months of the 2008-09 season.
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola or Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone could be available in the summer.
Following the defeat by Southampton on October 3, the Chelsea board decided to review the situation after a further three games.
The sequence has seen Chelsea beat Aston Villa, draw at Dynamo Kiev and lose at West Ham. And there is anger behind the scenes at the indiscipline shown by Mourinho and his players on Saturday. Abramovich dislikes anything that damages the club’s image.
Mourinho has already caused controversy by axing club doctor Eva Carneiro and regularly ranting at referees, with the latest tirade causing him to be sent to the stands on Saturday.