Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck: We ‘anguished’ over firing Jose Mourinho

Buck issued a message to supporters via the matchday programme for the clash against Sunderland, insisting the Blues could still turn their season around.

“I can assure you it was not a decision we took lightly,” Buck wrote. “Nor was it a spur-of-the-moment decision; Mr Abramovich and the Board anguished over it for some time.

“We will not forget what Jose achieved here during two spells as manager. He has overseen some of our most famous triumphs and we will always have a huge amount of respect for him.

“But the start we have made to this season has come as a major disappointment to the owner, the Board and Chelsea fans everywhere and I think it is fair to say nobody expected us to be in the position we are in the Premier League just before Christmas.”

Ahead of Saturday’s match at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were perched 16th in the Premier League table and just one point above the relegation zone.

“There is still a great deal to play for – Premier League points, the FA Cup and the Champions League – and we want to give it everything in those competitions,” Buck added.