Guus Hiddink set to replace Jose Mourinho at Chelsea after manager is sacked

Mourinho was dismissed on Thursday afternoon with reports suggestion that Hiddink has already been lined up to take the manager's job until the end of the season

Guus Hiddink looks set to take over at Chelsea until the end of the season after the club sacked manager Jose Mourinho on Thursday.

Mourinho paid the price the dreadful start to the season as the defending Premier League champions have won just four of their 16 matches in the top flight, with nine defeats highlighting a drastic problem among a squad that six months ago won the title.

Hiddink is currently out of work having been sacked himself from his role with the Netherlands national team earlier this year, and he is being heavily tipped to take up the vacancy at Stamford Bridge in a role similar to his spell in charge of the club back in 2009.

Hiddink was appointed short-term manager following the dismissal of Luis Felipe Scolari six years ago, and the Dutchman went on to lift the FA Cup with the Blues before leaving at the end of the season.

Both Brendan Rodgers and David Moyes are also out of work at present and could see their names thrown into the mix given their Premier League experience, while former Tottenham manager Juande Ramos emerged as a surprise candidate earlier this week.

A statement released by the club confirmed that Mourinho had left “by mutual consent”, although it is understood that Mourinho was informed he had to leave due to the side’s poor results this season.

"Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent,” read the statement.

"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. 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."