One never thought it would come down to this, but José Mourinho has been sacked by the Chelsea Football Club. ‘The Chosen One’ was asked to leave and this was the club’s official statement: “Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent.”
This has happened a mere 7 months after Mourinho led them to win the Premier League. The club also added “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.”
Here are a few very valid reasons which led to his sacking:
1. Chelsea is 16th in the EPL table
Last year’s defending champions are currently placed at the 16th position in the Premier League. Mourinho has left them only a point above the relegation zone and 20 points behind league leaders Leicester.
2. Fallout with staff
Things took an ugly turn when Mourinho dismissed the club doctor Eva Carneiro. To add insult to injury, he was also given a one match stadium ban after his rant against the referee in a game opposite West Ham.
3. Knocked out of Capital One Cup
While already struggling in the Premier League, Chelsea was further embarrassed when they lost to Stoke. This resulted in them being knocked out of the Capital One Cup. Although Chelsea dominated the game, they lost out on penalties.
4. Issues with players
Mourinho was known for his ability to motivate players and get the best out of him. However in the current season, a seemingly irreparable rift has developed between him and some of the players. A lot of controversies were courted and the names of Fabregas, Hazard and Ivanovic were all dragged through the muck.
5. Third Season Syndrome
This has been a trend in Mourinho’s career – he sets up at a club, wins big, then either leaves on a high or stays until a third season when things begin to go south. He has never found real success at a club in the third season. It happened when he was in charge at Real Madrid, and now history has repeated itself with Chelsea.
All said and done, Chelsea find themselves in a very difficult situation. Winning the League is out of question and the chances of Top 4 finish also look bleak. There might be some respite with FA Cup and Champions League still on the table but even that seems like a long shot.
Jose Mourinho’s legacy will be difficult to match but Chelsea must act soon and find someone suitable to replace ‘The Chosen One’.