Steve Holland Talks Jose Mourinho, Chelsea Boos, More After Blues Top Sunderland

Chelsea assistant first-team coach Steve Holland told reporters he expects former manager Jose Mourinho won't be out of a job for long after he was sacked earlier this week.

As shared by Rob Harris of the Associated Press, he praised his former boss following the 3-1 win over Sunderland:

The Blues cruised to an easy win in their first match following the sacking, but the fans at Stamford Bridge were hardly satisfied. Branislav Ivanovic and Pedro gave the hosts an early lead, and Oscar ensured the win early in the second half. Fabio Borini scored for the visitors.

Chelsea's fans seemed more interested in supporting Mourinho than celebrating the win, however, chanting the Special One's name and hanging up countless banners. They also took out their frustration on Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, two players who they see as at least partly responsible for his departure.

Holland was one of the few inside the stadium who applauded them when they came off the pitch, and per the Blues' official Twitter account, he said he did so to acknowledge their performance:

He did make it clear fans have the right to express their opinion, however, via Bleacher Report UK's Garry Hayes:

So did veteran defender John Terry, although he hopes the jeering will stop soon enough, per Harris:

As expected, most of the questions reporters tossed Holland's way had to do with Mourinho, and the assistant coach answered them with grace. Per Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World, he maintains the two had a great relationship:

He also called it a “privilege” to work with the man:

Oliver Holt of the Mail on Sunday thought he made a fantastic impression during his post-match press conference:

Holland also informed reporters interim manager Guus Hiddink, whose appointment was confirmed by the club before the match, met with him after the final whistle:

Hiddink will have a difficult task on his hand at Stamford Bridge. Not only does he have to salvage the club's season, but he will have to do it while many of the fans still yearn for Mourinho and wish the Portuguese mastermind was never sacked to begin with.

The Dutchman will need to make a fast start, as the busy festive period is just around the corner. A strong stretch in the coming weeks could see the Blues rise up the table quickly, due to the busy schedule, but if the club struggles, a ticket to Europe may become all but impossible to reach.    

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