Jose Mourinho attended the Championship match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Middlesbrough on Saturday in his first public appearance since being sacked as Chelsea manager on Thursday.

Mourinho, sporting a newly shaven head and wearing a dark jacket, was photographed in a seat at the Amex Stadium, where his former Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka was taking charge of Middlesbrough.

The agency that represents Mourinho said in a statement that the 52-year-old would not be taking a sabbatical and would be attending matches in order to provide support to his "friends" in the game.

"He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn't tired, he doesn't need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward," said a statement from management group CAA.

"Because of his love of football, you will see Jose at football grounds working and supporting friends. He will not be attending any high-profile games because he wants to discourage any speculation about his future.

"Jose will remain living in London and hopes he and his family will be given the opportunity to do this privately.

"Jose will not speak about his current situation for the foreseeable future. He asks the media to respect this decision."

Although Chelsea announced the separation was by "mutual consent", the CAA statement directly contradicted that version of events.

"During his career, Jose has sometimes chosen to leave a club, but only at Chelsea has the club decided that he should leave," it said.

"Each time represents for him the end of a cycle, and the opportunity to start a new one. Jose hopes that his future after Chelsea this time will be as successful as when he left the club in 2007."

After being sacked by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in 2007, Mourinho joined Inter Milan and led the club to a treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League titles in 2010.

He subsequently joined Real Madrid, winning La Liga in 2012, before returning to Chelsea in 2013.

Experienced Dutch coach Guus Hiddink confirmed on Friday that he is in talks to succeed Mourinho as interim manager.

The 69-year-old stepped in at Chelsea in similar circumstances in 2009, succeeding the sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari and lead the club to FA Cup glory.

Hiddink could be in the stands for Chelsea's home game with Sunderland later on Saturday, when assistant coach Steve Holland is expected to take charge of the team.

Writing in the match programme, Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said the club had "anguished" over the decision to dismiss Mourinho "for some time".

"Please believe me when I say the decision was made for no reason other than to do what we believe is in the best interests of this club," he added.

"We are one of the biggest clubs in the world and we are all determined, as a collective unit, to get back to where we should be."

League champions and League Cup winners last season, Chelsea have slipped to within a point of the Premier League relegation zone after losing nine of their first 16 games.

Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said "palpable discord between manager and players" was a factor in Mourinho's dismissal, but captain John Terry said player unrest was not the reason for his departure.

"We are aware there have been rumours of player power at the club, but I want to make it clear that is not the case," Terry wrote in the programme.

"We leave all decisions to Mr Abramovich and the board, and know that our job, as players, is to focus on getting results on the pitch."