Chelsea confirm Guus Hiddink as new boss

Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said “palpable discord between manager and players” was a factor in Mourinho’s dismissal, but Terry said player unrest was not the reason for his departure.

But Chelsea’s fans were far from happy, regularly chanting in support of the Portuguese, and not a single seated supporter could be spotted when they sang “Stand up for the Special One!”

Former Socceroos and Netherlands national team coach Guus Hiddink has been named Chelsea’s interim boss until the end of the season, and will attempt to steer the club to a top-four finish in his second spell at Stamford Bridge.

The Dutchman, who had a previous spell in charge at Stamford Bridge in 2009, succeeds Jose Mourinho, who on Thursday paid the price for the club’s disastrous start to the season.

Guus Hiddink returned to Chelsea for a second spell as manager on Saturday, hired until the end of the season with the tough task of turning round the struggling Premier League champions following Jose Mourinho’s firing. “However, I am sure we can all turn this season around”, Hiddink said in a club statement.

As Chelsea beat Sunderland 3-1 under the temporary command of Steve Holland, Hiddink watched from the stands at Stamford Bridge with owner Roman Abramovich and former striker Didier Drogba, who has been linked with a coaching role.

Chelsea said today that it views Hiddink as a coach with a “wealth of top-level experience and success”.

Mourinho was axed after Chelsea followed up their title win last term with nine defeats from their opening 16 games.

“He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn’t exhausted, he doesn’t need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward”, CAA said in a statement.

One banner read “You let Jose down”.

“We leave all the decisions to Mr Abramovich and the board and we know how that our job as players is to focus on getting results on the pitch”. I assure you it was not taken lightly.

After some Chelsea players were booed in the win over Sunderland, ESPN FC’s Craig Burley says the buck stops with the manager.

“This club does not deserve to be in the position where we are now”.

Goals from Branislav Ivanovic, Pedro Rodriguez and Oscar, with a penalty, saw Chelsea end a three-game winless league run against the backdrop of a peculiar atmosphere.

“We have quality players and they care”.

Chelsea entertain Watford on Boxing Day when the reigning champions will have the chance to record consecutive league victories for the first time this season.

“We are aware there have been rumours of player power at the club, but I want to make it clear that is not the case”, Terry wrote in the programme.

Mourinho attended the Championship match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Middlesbrough on Saturday in his first public appearance since his sacking.