Liverpool sack boss Brendan Rodgers after Merseyside draw

Premier League giants Liverpool have sacked beleaguered boss Brendan Rodgers. The Northern Irish coach had come under intense scrutiny of late, after guiding the Reds to just three league victories this campaign.

Liverpool are currently languishing 10th in the Premier League with only 12 points, leading to the coach receiving his marching orders. This news came as somewhat of a surprise, as Rodgers appeared to recently have the backing of the Anfield board, and had just picked up a point from the Merseyside derby.

Liverpool FC has announced that Brendan Rodgers will leave his post with immediate effect: http://t.co/it2bKIJQbc pic.twitter.com/M3Af12Xnk3

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 4, 2015

Reds owners Fenway Sports Group released a statement on Liverpool’s website, saying: ““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.

“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.”

Former Swansea City tactician Rodgers had been at Liverpool’s helm since 2012, and almost took the club to a first Premier League title in 2014, but narrowly missed out, eventually finishing in second spot and going on to lose key players Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling in successive summers.

Rodgers also made far from favourable history, apparently becoming the first Anfield boss since the 1950s to fail to win silverware after three full campaigns in charge.

Once lauded for his attacking philosophy, the now 42-year-old was crowned 2014 LMA Manager of The Year, but early exits from the Champions League and a failure to secure a top four spot last season soon overshadowed previous achievements.

As Rodgers dusts himself off, the headlines will now turn to the Reds recruitment drive for a new manager, with former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti and ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp the big names in the frame.