Mourinho's arch enemy Avram Grant takes over at Chelsea

The former Israel coach joined the club as director of football against Mourinho's wishes in the summer but will adopt a managerial role starting at Manchester United on Sunday.

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The club confirmed Mourinho's backroom staff have also left the club.

Baltemar Brito (assistant manager/coach), Rui Faria (assistant manager/fitness coach) Andre Villas (head opposition scout/first team coach) and Silvino Louro (assistant manager/goalkeeper coach) have all departed.

A statement from the club said: "The club is delighted that in Avram we have an experienced man who can come in immediately at this difficult time to help deliver our objectives.

"In Steve we have a Chelsea man and he will be a crucial part of the management team going forward.

"Avram and Steve have our full confidence and support.

He has done the job at club level in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa.

How long 51-year-old will keep the role is unclear but with key candidates such as Russia coach Guus Hiddink unavailable for now, he will be given time to make his mark.

Grant will be helped out by assistant manager Steve Clarke, who is the only senior member of Mourinho's backroom staff staying.

The Portuguese's closest confidants are leaving with him after his departure was confirmed in the early hours. Mourinho's representatives are now seeking compensation and expect a £20million pay-off.

His frustration with interference from Roman Abramovich and the owner's anger at poor performances and results became irreconcilable and the split was decided in emergency meetings last night.

Grant, a friend of Abramovich, was involved in talks about Mourinho's future — without the coach present — last week.

The club's hierarchywere unhappy an apparent rift had developed between the coach and John Terry.

The England skipper was upset at suggestions from Mourinho his toe injury was affecting his form this season.

Grant joined Chelsea from Portsmouth, where he had been technical director, in the summer.

But the Portuguese fell out with Abramovich in January over an attempt to bring in Grant and insisted he only accepted the appointment because the Israeli would not interfere in team affairs.

The club's description of his original role described responsibilities for liaison on co-ordination on the football side.

Grant went out of his way to make it clear he would not step on Mourinho's toes when he joined.

He has been sitting in the dugout a couple of rows behind the main decision-makers but will now take centre stage.