Chelsea fans everywhere were shocked last night when their manager Jose Mourinho left the club. The departure is being put down to long standing differences between the manager and the clubs owner, Roman Abramovich.

The sudden exit is a major disappointment for players, staff and fans alike. Mourinho is not the only one leaving the club, his backroom staff, including assistant manager Steve Clarke are also on their way out. After the 1 – 1 draw with Rosenborg on Tuesday, it is believed that Abramovich called a meeting and it is here where Jose handed his resignation in.

The Portuguese manager guided Chelsea to win back to back Premiership titles, the FA cup and two Champions League semi finals. It is believed Mourinho’s failure to emulate his European victory with Porto, is a major reason behind the disagreements with club owner Abramovich.

Other reasons which are being touted for the fall out are appointment of now manager, Avram Grant as director of football and Frank Arnesen as head of youth development. Jose felt this undermined his power base. Grant has been given the position permanently, he will not be employed as a caretaker manager and there will be no new names touted around. He will be at the helm for Chelsea’s weekend fixture against Manchester United.

Mourinho was also unhappy that Schevchenko and Ballack were signed against his wishes. Chelsea’s football style has always been a point of difference between Mourinho and Abramovic. Mourinho has always put emphasis on results, whereas Abramovic feels the £500 million he has bankrolled should deserve exciting and attractive football.

In any case Chelsea are without their Portuguese manager after three years of service. The question now is whether the resignation and appointment of Grant will cause major backroom friction or not?