Sacking of ‘fantastic’ Mourinho came as a ‘surprise’ – LVG

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has expressed his surprise at Jose Mourinho’s sacking at Chelsea – and even his “fantastic record” could not save him.

Mourinho’s second spell at Stamford Bridge was brought to an end on Thursday after the fallen champions had lost nine of their opening 16 games of the season.

When questioned about his dismissal, Van Gaal said: “What can I say? It was a big surprise to me, I didn’t expect that.

“He is a fantastic manager with a record that nobody has in this football world, but it is still possible.

“What I said in my own press conference is that the main thing is always, of course, first the results and second the chemistry between the players and the manager and staff.

“I cannot judge what was happening at Chelsea, but I was very surprised.”

Van Gaal’s own position is under scrutiny, with United having gone five games in all competitions without a win.

When asked if the fact Mourinho had been axed so soon after guiding Chelsea to the Premier League title showed that no manager was safe, Van Gaal said: “Yes, it is like that. But we know that in advance. Also Jose knows that. This is the world.”