Guus Hiddink has emerged as the red-hot favourite to replace Jose Mourinho at Chelsea following the sacking of the former Real Madrid boss this afternoon.
Mourinho’s Chelsea side have endured a horrid start to their campaign which has seen them lose nine of their opening 16 league outings. It comes after the Blues secured their fourth Premier League title last season, winning by a margin of eight points.
Roman Abramovich’s patience has been tested increasingly in recent weeks but it seems he had seen enough following his teams defeat to Leicester on Monday evening. Mourinho moved to criticise his players following the loss and openly ruled Chelsea out of making the top four next May.
As a result, the board ordered a meeting with their manager this afternoon at the club’s training ground which reportedly lasted no longer than 10 minutes – according to Sky Sports. It later transpired that Jose Mourinho had left Chelsea by ‘mutual consent’.
Following the breaking news, bookmakers immediately opened markets for his replacement at Stamford Bridge, and it is clear as who the leading contender is.
Guus Hiddink, who managed Chelsea in 2009 for a short spell, is the early 1/12 favourite with Paddy Power. The Dutch maestro recently left his post as Netherlands manager in the summer, after World Cup disappointment, and is clearly open to new job openings.
The 69-year old won the FA Cup with the Blues during his time as interim manager, and was an instant hit with loyal Chelsea followers.
Abramovich’s relationship with Hiddink is renowned for being good and judging by the early betting, he may have been lined up for the position for quite a while.
