Over and out: Brendan Rodgers fired as manager of Liverpool

Liverpool have sacked Brendan Rodgers as manager.

 Klopp, Ancelotti to take over? 

Following their 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday in the Merseyside derby, Rodgers had his contract terminated just eight weeks into his fourth season in charge at Anfield.

With poor results to start the 2015-16  season — Liverpool sit in 10th place with 12 points from their opening eight games of the season — the Northern Irishman has been under intense pressure from fans as the likes of Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling have all left Liverpool over the past 12 months and Rodgers has spent over $280 million on new players in the past two summers.

Those players failing to repay the faith shown in them by Rodgers has played a huge part of him eventually being fired. However, the writing has been on the wall for quite some time as Rodgers’ assistant coaches were fired this summer and following a sixth place finish last year he was installed as the bookies favorite to be the first manager to leave. His departure comes after he failed to win any silverware in his three-and-a-half years in charge, although the Reds did come agonizingly close to securing the Premier League title in 2013-14.

Rodgers’ firing comes hot on the heels of Dick Advocaat walking out of Sunderland on Sunday, as two Premier League teams are now managerless in the first week of October.

Below is the statement in full from Liverpool, as the Reds will now start their search for a new manager with Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti the favorites to take over.

Liverpool Football Club has announced that Brendan Rodgers will leave his post with immediate effect after having his contract terminated. The process to appoint a new manager is underway.

The Northern Irishman joined Liverpool FC in June 2012 and helped the club mount a memorable title challenge in his second season, as well as helping to develop many exciting young players. LFC’s ownership have paid tribute and thanked Rodgers for his contribution.

In a joint Fenway Sports Group statement, Principal Owner John W Henry, Chairman Tom Werner and President Mike Gordon said:

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Brendan Rodgers for the significant contribution he has made to the club and express our gratitude for his hard work and commitment.

“All of us have experienced some wonderful moments with Brendan as manager and we are confident he will enjoy a long career in the game.

“Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch. Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it.

“The search for a new manager is underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.”