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Chelsea have sacked manager Jose Mourinho - just SEVEN MONTHS after being crowned Premier League champions.

The decision comes after the Blues fell to their ninth defeat of the season in the Premier League, losing 2-1 away at Leicester, who rose to the top of the table - 20 points ahead of the London side.

Guus Hiddink is set to take over as interim manager until the end of the season.

It is the fifth time owner Roman Abramovich has decided to sack a manager during a season - the first was also Mourinho - and is the 10th managerial change since he took ownership of the club in 2003.

"Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent," said a club statement.

(Image: Reuters)

LIVE: Reaction as Chelsea SACK manager Jose Mourinho

"All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.

"His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history.

"But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.

"The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea.

(Image: Reuters)

"His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge.

"The club’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential.

"There will be no further comment until a new appointment is made."

(Image: JIM BENNETT)

That loss to Leicester left the Blues 16th in the table, having won only four of their opening 16 fixtures, amassing a measly 15 points along the way.

Following the game, the Portuguese said he felt 'betrayed' by his players and conceded they would will not finish in the top four this season.

Less than 24 hours before his dismissal, the Portuguese had again asked questions of his players, claiming his squad needed to take a look at their behaviour both on and off the field.

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"Some of them need to rethink the way they live Chelsea, the way they live football, they live their job," he told Chelsea TV.

"Chelsea is big, football is more than a job, it's a passion. Every match on the pitch you should live with an unbelievable passion.

"How many millions would love to be football players and they can't be? You shouldn't waste any minutes on the pitch, you should enjoy every minute and you should give absolutely everything.

"Yes, I feel frustrated with some players and I feel that some others give absolutely everything and don't deserve to lose."

Chelsea's Premier League season 16th Position 16 Games 4 Wins 9 Defeats 15 Points

Mourinho steadied the ship in his first season back in charge at Stamford Bridge in 2013-14, before bossing a title-winning side last term.

It has, however, been a limp defence of their crown, and even a top-four finish seems a long shot at this stage.

The Blues have made it to the last-16 in the Champions League, where they will play Paris Saint-Germain, but it has been the champions' domestic form which has been the undoing of Mourinho.

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JOSE MOURINHO - CLUB-BY-CLUB RECORD

:: Benfica (September 20, 2000 to December 5, 2000)

Played: 11 Won: 6 Drew: 3 Lost: 2

Win percentage: 54.55

Trophies: None

:: Uniao de Leiria (July 2001 to January 23, 2002)

Played: 20 Won: 9 Drew: 7 Lost: 4

Win percentage: 45.00

Trophies: None

:: Porto (January 23, 2002 to May 26, 2004)

Played: 127 Won: 91 Drew: 21 Lost: 15

Win percentage: 71.65

Trophies: Primeira Liga (2003, 2004); Portuguese Cup (2003); UEFA Cup (2003); Champions League (2004).

:: Chelsea (first spell: June 2, 2004 to September 20, 2007)

Played: 185 Won: 124 Drew: 40 Lost: 21

Win percentage: 67.03

Trophies: Premier League (2005, 2006); League Cup (2005, 2007); FA Cup (2007).

:: Inter Milan (June 2, 2008 to May 28, 2010)

Played: 108 Won: 67 Drew: 26 Lost: 15

Win percentage: 62.04

Trophies: Serie A (2009, 2010); Italian Cup (2010); Champions League (2010)

:: Real Madrid (May 31, 2010 to June 1, 2013)

Played: 178 Won: 128 Drew: 28 Lost: 22

Win percentage: 71.91

Trophies: Primera Division (2012); Copa del Rey (2011).

:: Chelsea (second spell: June 3, 2013 to December 17, 2015)

Played: 136 Won: 80 Drew: 28 Lost: 28

Win percentage: 58.82

Trophies: Premier League (2015); League Cup (2015).