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Jose Mourinho departs Chelsea for a second time
Premier League champion is struggling in the league
Jose Mourinho isn’t special anymore.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s best soccer coaches, Chelsea has sacked the Portuguese manager after an awful run of form left the English Premier League champion with no chance of retaining its title.
But Mourinho was so much more than just a football manager.
Brands flocked to him, attracted by his swagger, but just importantly his ability to deliver outrageously provocative quotes. He was a man you either loved or hated.
So in April, Mourinho told one British newspaper that he was such a good manager that he was “getting better at everything related to my job,” which underlines the 52-year-old didn’t do self doubt.
At that time he was preparing to celebrate Chelsea’s triumph in winning the English Premier League title, but that jauntiness has long since disappeared as this serial winner has had to watch his side implode during the 2015-16 campaign.
READ: How Mourinho’s final match unfolded
Though Chelsea has qualified for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, Monday’s 2-1 domestic defeat by Leicester left the Blues languishing one point above the relegation places. It was the club’s ninth league defeat of the season.
A statement on the club’s official website read: “All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013. 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.
“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. The club’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential.”
Social media reacts to Mourinho’s sacking
It is the second time Mourinho has been relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge, with billionaire club owner Roman Abramovich also wielding the axe in 2007.