Liverpool sacks Rodgers as Advocaat quits Sunderland

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been sacked after a disappointing start to the season.

Less than five months after owners Fenway Sports Group gave their backing to the Northern Irishman after a woeful end to the 2014-15 campaign the Americans have done a U-turn.

And just a couple of hours after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park in the 225th Merseyside derby – another unconvincing performance – Rodgers was relieved of his duties.

“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,” said a joint-statement from principal owner John W Henry, chairman Tom Werner and president Mike Gordon.

Read also: Klopp to replace Rodger at Liverpool

“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 under way and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.”

Rodgers has been dogged by speculation about his future since the humiliating 6-1 defeat at Stoke on the final day of last season.

Former Real Madrid coach Carlos Ancelotti and ex-Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp are both out of work and were linked with Rodgers’ position several weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Dick Advocaat has left Sunderland after weeks of speculation. The 68-year-old Dutchman, who was parachuted in to mastermind a nine-game rescue mission at the end of the last campaign, has walked away with the club sitting in 19th place in the Barclays Premier League on three points after winning none of their opening eight fixtures following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with West Ham at the Stadium of Light.

Advocaat’s departure was confirmed in a club statement which said: “Sunderland AFC has announced that Dick Advocaat has left his position as head coach at the club. The Dutchman informed the chairman of his decision to step down from his role and departs the Stadium of Light with immediate effect.”

Dick Advocaat said afterwards; “I want to thank everyone who has stood behind me. This is a very special football club with so many great people, but I feel it is the right time to do this – not for me, but for the club.”

It’s understood the former Holland boss, who refused to discuss his future after the game, had decided to go whatever the result.

It leaves the Black Cats in a state of flux once again with sporting director Lee Congerton understood to be working a period of notice after tendering his resignation.

Nigel Pearson who did well at Leicester last season and former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce lead the list of contenders to take over the helm.

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