Chelsea have ended speculation about the future of manager Claudio Ranieri by confirming his dismissal.
The Italian, who spent four seasons at Stamford Bridge, is expected to be replaced by Porto coach Jose Mourinho.

A Chelsea spokesperson said: "Claudio has done a first class job for the club and paved the way for future success.

"We would like to wish Claudio all the best for the future. We are discussing the exact terms of his departure with him and his representatives."


Ranieri had a contract until 2007 but had been tipped for the sack ever since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich took control of the club last summer.

He maintained the support of the fans as he guided Chelsea to second in the Premiership, but it was not enough.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ea/3742477.stm

This sure didn't come as a surprise. I will be surprised if Jose Mourinho beats what Claudio achieved this season. 2nd place in the Premiership is not really a bad result when you look at how brilliant Arsenal was.

Teemu