Sacked Jose Mourinho reportedly begged Roman Abramovich to address Chelsea’s players before the Russian decided to swing the axe.

Mourinho was relieved of his duties on Thursday afternoon following the club’s worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.

The writing had been on the wall for some time for Mourinho at Stamford Bridge and Monday’s ninth defeat from 16 league matches proved to be the final straw.

He could see the end-game was approaching and, according to the Daily Telegraph , Mourinho pleaded with the owner to pay a visit to the club’s Cobham training complex.

Abramovich’s presence in Surrey is rare and restricted to key moments, with the beleaguered boss hoping the billionaire could inspire his players to turn their season around.

The owner did drop in to take a look at the squad - but not until Friday morning in the immediate aftermath of Mourinho’s sacking.

It is understood that the verdict was delivered by director Eugene Tenenbaum and not by Abramovich, who is said to have had no contact with the Special One since Wednesday.

First appearance since the sacking: Jose Mourinho sits in the stands at the AMEX Stadium

Guus Hiddink, as revealed by GetWestLondon , was yesterday appointed as Mourinho’s replacement and watched from Abramovich’s executive box as Chelsea returned to winning ways against Sunderland.

Mourinho, meanwhile, took in Middlesbrough’s win over Brighton on the south coast after signalling his intention to remain in London and look for another job.

A statement released on his behalf read: “Jose Mourinho is pleased that he returned to Chelsea because he was able to give the fans another Premier League title, which they had not won for many years.

"He is immensely proud of his eight trophies at Chelsea, and thanks the fans for all their support throughout his two spells at the club.

“Jose will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn’t tired, he doesn’t need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward.

In pictures - Chelsea begin life without Jose Mourinho by beating Sunderland:

“During his career, Jose has sometimes chosen to leave a club, but only at Chelsea has the club decided that he should leave.

“Each time represents for him the end of a cycle, and the opportunity to start a new one. Jose hopes that his future after Chelsea this time will be as successful as when he left the club in 2007.

“Because of his love of football, you will see Jose at football grounds working and supporting friends. He will not be attending any high-profile games because he wants to discourage any speculation about his future.

Jose will remain living in London and hopes he and his family will be given the opportunity to do this privately.”

Meanwhile, club sources have indicated Didier Drogba will not be returning to Chelsea in a coaching capacity despite joining Abramovich and Hiddink at the Bridge yesterday evening.

Timeline: Jose Mourinho's season from hell at Chelsea

Time Line

Timeline: Jose Mourinho's season from hell at Chelsea

  1. Eva row

    August 8 – Mourinho criticises first-team doctor Eva Carneiro and physio Jon Fearn for 'naivety' in running onto the field, at the referee's instruction, to treat Eden Hazard in the opening day draw against Chelsea.

  2. Terry subbed

    August 16 – The Special One hauls captain John Terry off at half-time in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City; the first time he has taken the defender off in a league game.

  3. Costa row

    September 19 – Mourinho was furious with Arsenal and the FA after Diego Costa was retrospectively banned for a feud with Gunners defenders Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel.

  4. Roman dare

    October 3 – After a 3-1 defeat to Southampton, Mourinho practically dared Roman Abramovich to sack him; prompting the club to issue a vote of confidence.

  5. Referee abuse

    October 3 – In that same press conference, Mourinho criticised referee Robert Madeley and earned a £50,000 fine and a suspended stadium ban, which he is appealing.

  6. Electronic tag

    October 15 – Mourinho hits back at the governing body and says he's delighted he wasn't issued with an electronic tag.

  7. Hazard warning

    October 17 – The Portuguese boss criticises Eden Hazard's work rate after dropping him for their 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

  8. Mourinho meltdown

    October 24 – Mourinho is sent off for accosting Jon Moss during half-time at West Ham as Chelsea are condemned to another defeat.

  9. Capital One Cup exit

    October 27 - Chelsea are dumped out of the League Cup as 10-man Stoke City win on penalties

  10. Halloween horror show

    October 31 - Chelsea are beaten 3-1 at Stamford Bridge by Liverpool. After the game Mourinho delivers a bizarre post-match interview, repeatedly answering questions with: "I have nothing to say".

  11. Stadium ban

    November 2 - Mourinho handed a one-match stadium ban and fined £40,000 for his behaviour during the West Ham defeat.

  12. More woe at Stoke

    November 7 - Chelsea lose their seventh Premier League game of the season, as they go down 1-0 at Stoke. Mourinho serves out his stadium ban.

  13. Bib row

    November 29 - Diego Costa is dropped to the bench and appeared to petulantly throw a bib at Mourinho. The champions are held to a goalless draw at Tottenham.

  14. Shocked by Cherries

    December 5 - The pressure is cranked up further on Mourinho after his side lose 1-0 at home to injury-hit Premier League new boys Bournemouth.

  15. Last game in charge

    December 14 - A ninth league defeat of the season, this time to Leicester, comes days after the Blues qualify for the Champions League knockout stages. The Chelsea boss says afterwards he feels "betrayed" by his players, hinting at a dressing room revolt.

  16. End of the road

    December 17 - Mourinho gets the boot after days of discussions at boardroom level. Chelsea cancel Friday's pre-match press conference.

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