Tottenham fired Jose Mourinho after 17 months in charge, the club confirmed.
Spurs announced the decision on Monday morning, less than 12 hours after confirming that they will be founding members of a new European Super League along with five other English clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Tottenham president Daniel Levy said: “Jose and his coaching team have been with us during some of our toughest times as a club. Jose is a true professional who has shown tremendous resilience during the pandemic.
“On a personal level, I enjoyed working with him and I regret that things did not work out as we both intended. He will always be welcome here and we should thank him and his coaching staff for their contribution.”
Tottenham are seventh in the Premier League, five points from the top four and face Manchester City in the EFL Cup final on Sunday.
Mourinho has lost 13 games in all competitions this season, more than any other in his managerial career, and sources told ESPN that several team members have become frustrated with his willingness to publicly criticize players after defeats.
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The 58-year-old succeeded Mauricio Pochettino in November 2019, with the specific aim of winning silverware and maintaining the club’s presence in the Champions League.
Mourinho has shown signs of tension during tense exchanges with reporters at recent press conferences, but sources say he was convinced that City’s defeat this weekend and the delivery of the club’s first trophy in 2008 would save him time. .
ESPN reported on February 19 that Spurs wanted to wait until the end of the season before determining Mourinho’s fate, mainly to clarify what European competition the club will play next season. They remain in a fight to qualify for the Champions League, but this competition was thrown into chaos by the dramatic announcement on Sunday night of the formation of a new Super League in which Spurs intends to participate.
Although there are likely to be a number of legal challenges and strong opposition within the existing structure of the game, those clubs at the forefront of the breakaway are confident in its success, and the moment Mourinho’s departure is another sign that Spurs are waiting to become new vision. a reality.
Spurs have confirmed that coach Ryan Mason will take over training on Monday. Sources told ESPN that Mason and Chris Powell will be temporarily appointed until the end of the season, as the search for a new manager begins.