Liverpool have announced that Brendan Rodgers will leave his post as manager with immediate effect after having his contract terminated by the club.
The announcement comes just hours after the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by local rivals Everton on Sunday afternoon, with the news being confirmed on Sky Sports.
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Rodgers arrived at Liverpool in 2012 after an impressive spell with Swansea City, with his most memorable period at Anfield being his title charge in his second season at the helm.
However, the Premier League giants fell short on that occasion, and the 42-year-old had been under pressure in recent months after a heavy summer of spending and a mixed start to this campaign.
“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,” Principal Owner John W Henry, Chairman Tom Werner and President Mike Gordon noted in a joint statement, as published on the club’s official website.
“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.”
It remains to be seen who replaces the Northern Irishman in the Anfield hotseat for the remainder of the campaign. Former Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the position by the Metro.
Liverpool’s priority will be to improve their current standing in the Premier League table, as they have collected 12 points from their first eight games of the season, which leaves them in 10th spot.
Despite being just three points adrift of fourth place, the club hierarchy have ultimately decided that a change is necessary, and Rodgers will now search for his next role as a manager.
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