Soccer

José Mourinho won’t be taking sabbatical after Chelsea sacking

‘He isn’t tired, he doesn’t need it, he is very positive and is already looking forward’

Jose Mourinho is looking to return to management straight away after his Chelsea dismissal. Photograph: PA
Jose Mourinho is looking to return to management straight away after his Chelsea dismissal. Photograph: PA
Dominic Fifield
Sat Dec 19 2015 - 11:34

José Mourinho is to seek an immediate return to top-level management following his dismissal by Chelsea after insisting he is "not tired" and has no intention of taking a prolonged sabbatical from the game.

The Portuguese, who was sacked for a second time by Roman Abramovich on Thursday in the wake of his team's ninth defeat in the opening 16 games of their Premier League defence, released a statement on Saturday morning through his corepresentatives at Creative Artists Agency Sports and Polaris Sports.

“During his career, José has sometimes chosen to leave a club but only at Chelsea has the club decided that he should leave,” said the statement. “He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn’t tired, he doesn’t need it, he is very positive and is already looking forward.

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

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Mourinho, who said he was “immensely proud” of the trophies he has claimed over two spells at Stamford Bridge, will continue to live in London but, while he seeks new employment, he will avoid attending high-profile matches in an attempt to avoid fuelling speculation.

“Mourinho is pleased that he returned to Chelsea Football Club because he was able to give the fans another Premier League title, which they had not won for many years,” added the statement. “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.

“Because of his love of football, you will see José 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. José will remain living in London and hopes he and his family will be given the opportunity to do this privately. José will not speak about his current situation for the foreseeable future.”

Chelsea go into Saturday afternoon's game against Sunderland in 16th place and only a point clear of the relegation zone. Steve Holland and Eddie Newton will oversee the match from the dugout, with Guus Hiddink set to be reappointed on an interim basis until the end of the season. The 69-year-old, who enjoyed a similar stint at Stamford Bridge in 2009, is expected to watch the game from the stands.

(Guardian service)