Former Israel manager Avram Grant and Steve Clarke will take charge of Chelsea following the departure of Jose Mourinho, the Premiership club announced on Thursday. "The club is delighted that in Avram we have an experienced man who can come in immediately at this difficult time to help deliver our objectives." "In (Mourinho's assitant) Steve we have a Chelsea man and he will be a crucial part of the management team going forward," Chelsea said in a statement. The 52-year-old Grant was appointed as Chelsea's football director in the summer despite opposition from Mourinho. Grant's relationship with the Portuguese manager wasn't at its best as the latter repeatedly demanded the Israeli not to interfere with team affairs. Shocking departure Chelsea and their most successful manager of all time, Mourinho, have parted ways. "Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have agreed to part company today (Thursday) by mutual consent," said a brief statement posted on the club's website.
The English adventure is over for Mourinho A BBC report said late on Wednesday that Mourinho texted senior players to inform them of his decision, just 24 hours after their disappointing 1-1 home draw with Rosenborg in the UEFA Champions League. The Daily Telegraph named Chelsea and England captain John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba as the players whom Mourinho "wished them good luck in the rest of their careers." According to Sky Sports, the Portuguese coach didn't resign but was sacked by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic. Tension has been rife between both men for months now and it is reported that the Champions League draw was the tipping point. Mourinho turned Chelsea's fortunes around since taking charge of the club in 2004. He led The Blues to back-to-back Premiership titles as well as steering them to FA Cup triumph last season. But repeated fall-outs with Abramovic left him unsettled during last season and apparently forced his departure from Chelsea. Watch highlights for Mourinho's time at Chelsea: Special quotes from the Special One
