Jose Mourinho not planning to take a break after Chelsea exit
Jose Mourinho is looking forward to getting back into management following his exit from Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea.
Mourinho left his role at Stamford Bridge on Thursday after a dire start to the season which has seen the Blues follow up their title win last term with nine defeats from their opening 16 games.
But the Portuguese, who released a statement through the agency which represents him, is relishing a new challenge.
CAA said in a statement: "Jose Mourinho is pleased that he returned to Chelsea Football Club because he was able to give the fans another Premier League title, which they had not won for many years. He is immensely proud of his eight trophies at Chelsea, and thanks the fans for all their support throughout his two spells at the club.
"During his career, Jose has sometimes chosen to leave a club, but only at Chelsea has the club decided that he should leave.
"Each time represents for him the end of a cycle, and the opportunity to start a new one. Jose hopes that his future after Chelsea this time will be as successful as when he left the club in 2007.
"He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn't tired, he doesn't need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward.
"Because of his love of football, you will see Jose at football grounds working and supporting friends. He will not be attending any high-profile games because he wants to discourage any speculation about his future.
"Jose will remain living in London and hopes he and his family will be given the opportunity to do this privately.
"Jose will not speak about his current situation for the foreseeable future. He asks the media to respect this decision."
Blues bosses insisted Mourinho had left the club "by mutual consent" but the statement hints that he was sacked.
While Mourinho is already looking to get back into management, Chelsea are yet to replace him as Guus Hiddink has indicated he is in no rush to accept the interim manager's job.
Despite flying into London less than 24 hours after Mourinho left, there was no swift conclusion to negotiations despite the club's hope of having him installed on Friday night.
After apparent upheaval behind the scenes during Mourinho's last few months in charge - Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo cited "palpable discord" between the manager and the players - the 69-year-old wants to make a full assessment of the situation at Stamford Bridge.
"We are still talking, exchanging stuff... It is possible that we would still use this weekend to discuss," Hiddink told Fox Sports.
"It could take hours or days before I say yes or no. The news is fresh. I first want to take a good look."
If he does eventually accept Chelsea's offer, Hiddink will reprise the role he performed in 2009 when he replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari in February of that year, guiding the club to the FA Cup and third place in the table as well as a Champions League semi-final where they narrowly and controversially lost to eventual winners Barcelona courtesy of a stoppage-time away goal.
Assistant coach Steve Holland will take charge for the visit of Sunderland, although Hiddink could be in the stands to run the rule over his prospective new players.
Mourinho was at Brighton's Amex Stadium on Saturday for their Sky Bet Championship clash with Middlesbrough.
Boro boss Aitor Karanka was Mourinho's number two during the Portuguese's time in charge of Real Madrid.
