Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo reveals why Mourinho was sacked.

Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo answering question about the sack of
Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo admits there was 'a palpable discord between manager and players' and insists the board were left with no other choice than to sack Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho was dismissed with the Barclays Premier League champions sitting a point above the relegation zone after nine defeats in their opening 16 games to the season.

Emenalo did not mention Mourinho by name on Chelsea TV but revealed the board felt it was 'time to act' after noticing how the relationship between the manager and his squad had broken down.

From L-R:    Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, Chelsea owner
Roman Abramovich

'It was a decision taken to protect the interest of the club,' Emenalo said.

'While there is huge sentiment for the individual who has done so much for the club, the fact of the matter remains that Chelsea football club is in trouble. The results are not good. 

'There obviously seemed to be a palpable discord between manager and players, and we feel it was time to act.'

Mourinho could receive a possible £10million pay-out due to his four-year contract but Emenalo backed the decision made by Roman Abramovich on Thursday.

'The owner was forced to make a very tough decision for the good of the club,' he continued. 'Make no mistake about it, Chelsea football club, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is one point above relegation in the English Premier League and that's not good enough. 

'Anybody, or any fan, even those who are not fans who love the club or have any kind of affiliation to the club, can understand that this club is in trouble. Something needed to be done.' 
 

Asked about the role that Chelsea's squad played in Mourinho's dismissal, Emenalo said: 'They played to instruction. They adhered to everything that the manager asked them to do.

'It's very easy to make that kind of inference but it's not one that the club accepts. 

'Obviously we know now that the players have a responsibility to go out and prove everyone wrong and show a certain level of commitment to the decision that has been made tonight. 

'To try to get the club up the league table. That's what they have to do. That's what they're supposed to do. I believe that's what they've been trying to do.'

Guus Hiddink is set to be installed as the interim manager until the end of the season and could even take charge of their meeting with Sunderland on Saturday.

Asked who would take charge this weekend, Emenalo said: 'You're not a big club if you don't have contingency plans for situations like this. We're a big club that have quality coaches embedded within the club. I think we will be OK for Saturday. 

'We will have competent people come up and help with the preparation for the game on Saturday. Make no mistake about it, the club is working vigorously and actively to make sure that the situation in regards to a managerial appointment is taken care of as soon as possible.'