Jose Mourinho’s dismissal as Chelsea manager for a second time comes as the club sit just one point above the relegation zone after losing nine of their 16 games this season.

Here is a close look at the candidates to succeed the self-proclaimed Special One:

– MOURINHO: The Special One sacked as Chelsea boss
– MARADONA: Argentina legend surprised by football trickster
– DUBAI: Globe Soccer Awards Dubai 2014
– MESSI: Barca now better than Guardiola’s side 
– SHARE, RATE, WIN: Sport360 ValoraFutbol
– VOHRA’s VIEW: FIFA’s pathetic attempt at winning support

Carlo Ancelotti

Will Chelsea return for another man who enjoyed great success? The Italian, who won the 2010 Premier League and FA Cup double and finished second the following season before being sacked, is available after leaving Real Madrid. He was popular at Stamford Bridge and apparently wishes to return to England.

Likelihood rating: 8/10

Pep Guardiola

The former Barcelona boss was reportedly coveted by Roman Abramovich while on sabbatical before the former Spain midfielder opted for Bayern Munich. His contract with the Bavarians ends this summer and speculation of a switch to Manchester City is growing in strength. But Chelsea may still try to tempt him.

Likelihood rating: 8/10

Diego Simeone 

The former Argentina midfielder has enjoyed a fine period as Atletico Madrid boss, breaching the hegemony of Barca and rivals Real with an attractive style, while beating Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup and Champions League in the process. The Blues have looked to Atletico for players, now for a manager?

Likelihood rating: 5/10

Fabio Capello 

The autocratic Italian’s reputation in England is far from strong after his poor reign as national team boss. But his club pedigree with AC Milan and Real Madrid is good and he is still in touch with his former England captain John Terry. He is out of work after leaving Russia and could be an interim option.

Likelihood rating: 6/10

Guus Hiddink 

If Chelsea need a stop-gap option, they could look to someone who has done the job before. No, not Rafael Benitez, who is now Real Madrid boss, but Dutchman Hiddink. His three-month spell from February 2009, after the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari, saw Chelsea win the FA Cup and finish third in the Premier League.

Likelihood rating: 7/10

Antonio Conte 

The Italy boss may not move ahead of Euro 2016, but reportedly has admirers among the Chelsea hierarchy. He had a glowing caeer at Juventus, first as a player, then as a manager, guiding them to three successive Serie A titles.

Likelihood rating: 7/10

Massimiliano Allegri 

The Italian led Juventus to the Serie A title and Champions League final in 2015 and could be an outside bet to replace Mourinho, but Chelsea have made bold choices in the past and it could happen again.

Likelihood rating: 4/10

John Terry 

The club captain, now 35, has been reading management books for the last few years and recently had Sir Alex Ferguson’s “Leading” for company on a flight back from a match. Some have argued Terry has been in charge of Chelsea for years, maybe he could be handed the opportunity to prove it.

Likelihood rating: 5/10

Juande Ramos 

Former Tottenham boss would be a left-field appointment but has been mentioned often over recent days. Has has a long and well-travelled career and most recently took charge of Dnipro. Would in no way be a long-term appointment.

Likelihood rating: 6/10