Mourinho Quits the Bridge
20th September, 2007
In a move that has shocked the world of football, the charismatic Jose Mourinho has resigned from his post has Chelsea manager. It comes after Chelsea’s worst start to a season since 2001-2002, and the embarrassing draw in the Champions League against Norwegian side Rosenborg. It was reported last night that Mourinho sent text messages to some of his players, including Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and captain John Terry. At first it appeared as if he quit, possibly after catching wind of the fact that board members met and decided he had only one game to save his job, however reports are now suggesting that he was sacked.
Chelsea released a statement saying only that: “Chelsea Football Club and José Mourinho have agreed to part company today (Thursday) by mutual consent.” The man who led them to two successive Premiership titles and a total of six trophies in his three year reign will surely be missed by more than just the Chelsea squad.
It is expected that owner Roman Abramovich’s new sporting direct Avram Grant will take over as Caretaker Manager, a move that it unlikely to prove popular with the squad. It was widely speculated that the rift between manager and owner came about though the purchase of £30m Andrei Shevchenko, who Mourinho did not want in his squad. After the player was left out of the squad whilst fully fit, Abramovich grew unhappy and voiced his concerns to the manager. Similarly, players like Michael Ballack were brought in against Mourinho’s will. Names being lined up as possible next managers include Guus Hiddink (6/1), Didier Deschamps (6/1), Felippe Scolari (10/1) and Fabio Capello (all at Paddy Power ).
