Next Chelsea manager / coach: Pep Guardiola or Diego Simeone?

Chelsea made worldwide headlines Thursday by dumping manager Jose Mourinho.

“Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent,” a statement from Chelsea read. “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.”

Pep Guardiola is likely to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season and there have been reports over the years that Chelsea brass likes the Spaniard. He has won three La Liga titles and a pair of Champions League titles.

Reports say that Chelsea has sounded out Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone about becoming the team’s next manager. The 45-year-old Simeonehas managed San Lorenzo, Catania andRacing Club in recent years.