Chelsea have sacked manager Jose Mourinho seven months after he led them to the Premier League title.
The 52-year-old Portuguese had been in his second spell at the club, taking charge in June 2013.
Chelsea finished eight points clear last season and won the League Cup, but have lost nine of their 16 league games so far and are 16th in the table, one point above the relegation places.
Mourinho's final match was Monday's 2-1 defeat at leaders Leicester City.
Pep Guardiola, Guus Hiddink, Juande Ramos and Brendan Rodgers have all been touted as possible successors as Blues owner Roman Abramovich begins another managerial search.
Chelsea statement
"Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent.
"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."
Mourinho in the Premier League | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Managed | Won | Drew | Lost | Win % |
| 2004-05 | 38 | 29 | 8 | 1 | 76.32 |
| 2005-06 | 38 | 29 | 4 | 5 | 76.32 |
| 2006-07 | 38 | 24 | 11 | 3 | 63.16 |
| 2007-08 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 50 |
| 2013-14 | 38 | 25 | 7 | 6 | 65.79 |
| 2014-15 | 38 | 26 | 9 | 3 | 68.42 |
| 2015-16 | 16 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 25 |
Reaction to sacking
BBC Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer said he was "shocked" by Mourinho's departure but admitted Chelsea's form had been dreadful.
"I've never known a capitulation like it from a football club," the former England captain told BBC Radio 5 live.
"I have never known players to perform like they did last season and then be so bad now. It's unprecedented."
Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce said he was "shocked to say the least", adding: "They must already have somebody lined up to have done it now.
"I'm sad to see Jose go because I got to know him quite well and he's a great manager with great character. He's a loss to the Premier League."
Former England and Arsenal defender Martin Keown said Mourinho had "lost the players".
"It has imploded in front of our eyes," he said. "It is astonishing. I saw players who were not giving everything.
"There is no trust there, respect is gone. Ultimately it is easier to change a manager than 22 players."
Ex-Blues defender Graham Roberts told BBC Radio 5 live: "He came in and said he was 'The Special One'. He's not 'The Special One' any more."
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