Chelsea’s Spanish duo can win over Stamford Bridge crowd

Chelsea announced they had parted with Mourinho “by mutual consent” for the second time on Thursday amid a disastrous run of results and what technical director Michael Emenalo described as “palpable discord” that had developed between the manager and his players.

Hiddink previously took temporary charge of Chelsea in February 2009 and guided the Blues to FA Cup success at Wembley.

“I think he’s a guy who wants football, and needs football”.

Chelsea’s assistant first-team coach Steve Holland has responded to the booing from the Stamford Bridge faithful towards certain players before kick-off against Sunderland.

“I can only repeat what I said before; I think this year, at times, the team has been close to scoring first in games that might have freed the tension”.

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!”

Pro-Mourinho banners were visible around the ground – one bearing the message “You let Jose down, you let us down” – and his name was chanted by the home supporters right from kick-off. He will not be attending any high-profile games because he wants to discourage any speculation about his future.

After the events of this week, I want to begin by thanking Jose for all he has done for the club, for how he has helped my career personally – together we won so many big trophies.

“My own view is that we need an experienced manager”.

However, despite the win Terry has admitted there’s no cause for celebration at Stamford Bridge and the players’ thoughts are very much with Mourinho. “Mr [Roman] Abramovich and the board believe that Guus has what it takes to get the best out of our talented squad”.

Many Chelsea fans, upset over the dismissal of the most successful manager in the club’s history, vented their frustrations on some of the players, who they say are really to blame for the English champions’ spectacular slump in form. The manager going doesn’t change that we are responsible, and to be 16th in the table is not acceptable from us.

Mourinho’s agents released a statement on Saturday insisting the 52-year-old – who watched Brighton’s Skybet Championship match against Middlesbrough – is not preparing for an extended break from football.

Chelsea, embroiled in their worst start to a league season since 1978, were one point above the relegation zone ahead of yesterday’s home clash with fellow strugglers Sunderland but responded with a 3-1 victory.