"The board would like to record our gratitude for his work and express our disappointment that the relationship has ended so early," a statement on the Chelsea website read.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team have not been good enough and were showing no signs of improving at a key time in the season."

"The club is still competing in the latter stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League, and we aim to remain as competitive as possible on all fronts."

"With that in mind we felt our only option was to make a change at this time."

Roberto Di Matteo will take over as first-team coach on an interim basis until the end of the season.