Chelsea continued to keep counsel over Mourinho’s successor on Friday morning, but Australia national team bosses had already seemingly let the cat out of the bag.
Former Socceroos coach Hiddink was praised by previous employers Football Federation Australia in a statement that effectively confirmed Hiddink’s temporary role at Chelsea ahead of any official word from the west London club.
“Thank you doesn’t seem enough. Sad sad day,” posted Terry on Instagram as the fallout over Mourinho’s exit continued.
“Gonna miss you Boss. The very best I have EVER worked with, unbelievable memories together.”
Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo cited “palpable discord” between Mourinho and the club’s players for the 52-year-old’s exit on Thursday.
Mourinho was thought to have attended Chelsea’s Christmas lunch with the playing squad before his departure was confirmed in a meeting with chairman Bruce Buck and director Eugene Tenenbaum.
Chelsea are reported to be eyeing Italy’s Antonio Conte and Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone as potential long-term replacements for Mourinho, but, in the meantime, Hiddink is seemingly lined up for his second caretaker spell at the club.
Hiddink stepped into the Stamford Bridge breach after Luiz Felipe Scolari’s sacking in 2009, and should now reprise that role.
Football Federation Australia posted a statement on its website congratulating their ex-boss Hiddink on his new challenge.
The federation stated on its website: “Guus Hiddink has taken temporary charge at struggling EPL giant Chelsea after the club announced they’d sacked coach Jose Mourinho overnight following the club’s disastrous run in the English Premier League.”
Well-travelled Dutchman Hiddink managed Australia at the 2006 World Cup, helping the team reach the second round.
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