Chelsea technical director: 'Palpable discord' between Mourinho, players

Chelsea felt the time was right to fire Jose Mourinho after it became apparent there was a "palpable discord" between the manager and the players, according to the club's technical director, Michael Emenalo.

Mourinho had his second stint with the Blues cut short Thursday following a series of results that leaves them just one point above the relegation zone.

Monday's loss to Leicester City was Chelsea's ninth of the Premier League season, forcing the hand of owner Roman Abramovich.

"Whilst there is huge sentiment for the individual who has done so much for the club, the fact of the matter remains that Chelsea is in trouble," Emenalo told Chelsea TV. "The results are not good. There obviously seems to be a palpable discord between the manager and the players, and we feel it was time to act."

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Mourinho signed a four-year contract extension - worth an estimated £40 million - with Chelsea in August. Emenalo points to the length of the deal as proof that firing wasn't part of the club's plans.

"That contract clearly signifies that what happened today was not a premeditated decision. It was a decision taken to protect the interest of the club," Emenalo said.

The director also confirmed Chelsea's belief in those same players who won the league and the League Cup earlier this year, reserving the blame mostly for Mourinho.

"They did it in style and they did by showing committment and by sweating tears and blood for the club when needed," said Emenalo. "They adhered to everything the manager asked them to do."

Chelsea is working "vigarously and actively" to find Mourinho's successor as soon as possible, according to Emenalo, and will be prepared for Saturday's home match against Sunderland.

"You're not a big club if you don't have contingency plans for situations like this," he added. "I think we're a big club that have quality coaches embedded within the club, and I think we will be OK for Saturday."