London: Jose Mourinho is out as Chelsea manager. Only seven months after winning the Premier League title, the Portuguese coach left with the club languishing one point above the relegation zone.
Chelsea says "both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways."
Chelsea has lost nine of its 16 league games, with Mourinho's last match a 2-1 loss to Leicester on Monday.
After easing to the league title in May, Mourinho was awarded a new four-year contract.
First hired by Chelsea in 2004, Mourinho won the league twice before a fall-out led to his firing three years later. He was brought back in 2013 by owner Roman Abramovich.
"The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea. His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge," it said in statement.
"The club's focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential. There will be no further comment until a new appointment is made," it added.
