Gary Lineker and more: Twitter reacts as Chelsea sack Jose Mourinho

Chelsea have sacked Jose Mourinho just seven months after he led the Blues to the Premier League title.

The west London club confirmed the news on Thursday afternoon following days of speculation surrounding the Portuguese coach’s future intensified in the wake of Monday night’s 2-1 loss to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

He leaves Chelsea in 16th place in the Premier League and a point above the relegation zone.

The breaking news story has inevitably prompted flurries of reactions on social media as fans and pundits begin to speculate about who could be appointed as the Blues’ next manager.

MORE: The latest Chelsea news and views

MORE: The latest Chelsea player tweets

Pep Guardiola has already been touted by some as a potential replacement for Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, while former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could be another candidate.

It is not yet clear who will oversee Chelsea’s home game against Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Here is a selection of some of the tweets to the news that Chelsea sacked Mourinho on Thursday afternoon.

Breaking News: Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Chelsea.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 17, 2015

Putting it out there, next manager for @ChelseaFC go British @GlennHoddle unfinished business and the best tactical coach I worked under!

— Frank Sinclair (@FrankMSinclair) December 17, 2015

Mourinho leaving Chelsea in these circumstances is a shame. Didn't take any responsibility and has clearly lost the dressing room…

— DannyCipriani (@DannyCipriani87) December 17, 2015

Wow Chelsea have done it. Didn't see that coming btw. Thought they'd stick with him through this. New man???

— Ridgy 6 (@liam_ridgewell) December 17, 2015

Oh what brilliant timing…. And there I was joking this morning that all I needed was for him not to be sacked today! #JoseMourinho

— Clare Balding (@clarebalding) December 17, 2015

In 5 years time Mourinho will be back as Manager at Chelsea

— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) December 17, 2015

You can't sack the whole squad.

— Trevor Nelson (@DJTrevorNelson) December 17, 2015

Football lost it's soul years ago.Managers pay the price always.Players on big contracts run the game now.

— Trevor Nelson (@DJTrevorNelson) December 17, 2015

Jose gone…..pep in next…???

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 17, 2015

Guess the special one ain't so special after all …….

— Rodney Marsh (@RodneyMarsh10) December 17, 2015

Not sure #Mourinho will be that worried. Many millions to leave and no relegation battle…. #savetheCV

— Matt Dawson (@matt9dawson) December 17, 2015

Let the managerial merry go round begin!!!! #Mourinho

— Dean Ashton (@Dean36ashton10) December 17, 2015

Not a Chelsea fan but gutted to see Jose go!! In my opinion he's in the Top 2 managers in the world with Pep!! Sad times!

— Noel Hunt (@boyhunt) December 17, 2015

Mourinho sacked!Who next Rafa?Hiddink?Ranieri?Ancelloti?Im sure we've been here before?Deja vou!Better the devil you know.

— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) December 17, 2015