Chelsea sacked Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho was sacked as Chelsea manager on Thursday afternoon after a dreadful run of results which has left his side stranded in 16th place in the Premier League table.

 Guus Hiddink, as reported by Chelsea on Wednesday, to replace the manager on a short-term basis.

The next permanent Chelsea manager will likely be appointed next summer, with candidates including Diego Simeone, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti all in the frame. Mourinho's second reign in London was initially successful, with his Chelsea side winning the league last year, and the Portuguese further enhancing his reputation as Chelsea's best ever manager.

Although, this season has been coloured by controversy, including the dismissal of club doctor Eva Carneiro, severe down-turns in form from key players including Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic, and a series of surprising defeats to teams including Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Southampton.

 The final straw was a 2-1 defeat to league-leading Leicester City on Monday night, in which Eden Hazard was accused of exaggerating a hip injury. Mourinho's future remains unclear, but one bookmaker makes a return to Real Madrid favourite for his next move, ahead of replacing Louis van Gaal at Manchester United.

It is also suggested that Mourinho's departure could see Carneiro return to Stamford Bridge.