Sep 21, 2007, 16:02 GMT
London - Chelsea Friday reached agreement on a compensation package with former manager Jose Mourinho and were set officially to present Israeli coach Avram Grant as his successor.
The surprise departure of Mourinho, who left the club on Wednesday night after three years at Stamford Bridge, has meanwhile sparked reports in the British media that it could lead to an exodus of several key players.
Meanwhile Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was among those who paid tribute Friday to Mourinho, in comments coming ahead of Sunday's Premiership clash between his club and Chelsea.
'Jose leaving Chelsea is a disappointment for the game,' Ferguson said.
'He was terrific for football and terrific for Chelsea. He brought something fresh and new to our game and I enjoyed the competition with him. I wish him well.'
Chelsea were set to present Grant as manager at a news conference at 1500 GMT Friday. Steve Clarke will continue in his role as Chelsea assistant manager.
Grant, 52, who was the club's director of football, led his first training session with the players Thursday. Both Grant and Clarke were joined by club owner Roman Abramovich at the Cobham training ground.
The Guardian, quoting a source close to Abramovich, reported Friday that the Russian billionaire will now take a more active role in team affairs.
Relations had broken down between Mourinho and Abramovich, who wanted a more entertaining style of football.
Grant, a former coach of Israel's national team, was brought to the club by his friend Abramovich in July from Portsmouth where he was the club's technical director.
He had taken Israel close to World Cup qualification in 2006, having also coached Israeli sides Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa.
Reports said Mourinho, 44, who had a contract with Chelsea until summer 2010, will be paid off in full - a total approaching 20 million pounds (40 million dollars) - after the decision to part company with the club 'by mutual consent.'
The manager himself spoke of his satisfaction at what he had achieved with the club, winning two Premiership titles - the club's first for 50 years, two League Cups and an FA Cup.
'I am very proud of my work and I think my decision in May 2004 to come to England was an excellent one,' he said.
'It was a beautiful and rich period of my career. I want to thank all Chelsea FC supporters for what I believe is a never-ending love story.'
He indicated he wanted to make a quick return to coaching.
'I am waiting for the phone calls. I want to enjoy my life but I want to work.'
Meanwhile various players have expressed their dismay at the loss of what defender Ricardo Carvalho described as 'the best coach in the world.'
'It is a very sad day for me and the team. I had a big offer from Real Madrid but I stayed at Chelsea because of Mourinho,' Carvalho said.
'For me there is no doubt, Jose Mourinho is the best coach in the world and I cannot believe that we have lost him.
'I never thought he would leave Chelsea without finishing his work, without achieving everything he wanted to.
'This is the first time he has ever done this and it will be terrible for him. He loved Chelsea.'
Several reports claim striker Didier Drogba is 'furious and upset' at Mourinho's departure.
There will also be speculation over the future of England midfielder Frank Lampard, Mourinho's general on the pitch who was considered close to the coach.
Lampard had already delayed talks on a new contract until the end of the season, when he will only have 12 months left on his existing deal.
Midfielder Claude Makelele admitted that whoever replaces Mourinho has an almost impossible act to follow.
'He faces a big challenge because he will always be compared to Mourinho by the press and the fans,' he said, having compared the news of Mourinho's exit to 'a bomb.'
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