Former Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen reckons Jose Mourinho was too demanding of his players and that was what cost the Portuguese his job in the end.

After guiding Chelsea to the Premier League title and League Cup in the 2014-15 season, Mourinho's team started this season in disappointing fashion and he was relieved of his duties in December, with Guus Hiddink taking over.

"Mourinho is very demanding and sometimes the players can't take it," Arnesen told Omnisport.

"He made some drastic changes and it cost him."

Arnesen's comments come after Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas revealed earlier in the week that Mourinho trusted his players too much, giving them extra time off following their previous season's title win.

Jose Mourinho left Chelsea in December 2015 following a poor start to the season. Clive Rose/Getty Images

Chelsea are set to make sweeping changes once new manager Antonio Conte arrives at the club when his Euro 2016 commitments are over, and Arnesen feels that the Premier League giants have appointed the right man for the job.

"Conte has the winning mentality in his blood," Arnesen added. "He is disciplined and tactically very strong.

"But we don't know how he will deal with the pressure at Chelsea."

Arnesen has also urged Manchester United to keep faith with Louis van Gaal, despite rumours of Mourinho taking over the hot seat next season.

"Van Gaal could not buy all his players, but he has done tremendously well with the young kids," Arnesen explained.

"Manchester United should give him at least one year more.

"What would happen if they replaced Van Gaal with Mourinho? The philosophy of Manchester United will go out of the window. But maybe they are that keen to have success..."