Chelsea learn sack decision as Jose Mourinho’s emotional Roma reaction laid bare amid Pochettino backing

Jose Mourinho was sacked by AS Roma after two-and-a-half years in charge of the Serie A.

The former Chelsea manager has departed the Italian club, who sit ninth in Serie A, sitting 22 points adrift of league leaders Inter Milan. During his time at the club, Mourinho won the Europa Conference League in 2022.

A club statement read: “We would like to thank Jose on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for his passion and efforts since his arrival at the club.

“We will always have great memories of his tenure at Roma, but we believe that an immediate change is in the best interests of the club.

“We wish Jose and his assistants all the best in their future endeavours.”

Mourinho, who appeared emotional, was captured leaving, with fans waiting to offer their goodbyes.

The 60-year-old has been replaced by Roma legend Daniele De Rossi.

Current Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been under pressure in recent weeks, particularly after their 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.

Many fans have openly expressed their desire for Mourinho to return to Stamford Bridge for a third stint, however the Chelsea hierarchy are firmly behind Pochettino, who will return to the club’s training ground on Wednesday following three days off after their 1-0 win against Fulham.

 “We need to give some rest to the players and the staff also because it is a really busy period now and they need to breathe a little bit. This break is very useful.

“Then we are going to prepare. We have seven days to prepare for the second leg against Middlesbrough on Tuesday and then on Friday in the FA Cup against Aston Villa, and then Wednesday again in the Premier League.

“Three games in three different competitions – but I think they need three days off. They need to revive, so it is important and then they can attack the second half of the season.

“Too many of our players are going to be involved in March with the international break and too many competitions that they now need to have some break.”