Sport

Liverpool sack manager Rodgers

11:41 am on 5 October 2015

Liverpool have sacked manager Brendan Rodgers, just eight games into the English Premier League football season with the five-times European champions in 10th place.

The sacked Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The decision to dismiss Rodgers was made before Monday morning's 1-1 draw at Everton, which left the Reds 10th in the Premier League and six points off top spot.

Liverpool, who have not lost to their neighbours for five years, went ahead in the 42nd minute through Danny Ings, but Belgium's Romelu Lukaku equalised for Everton in added time at the end of the first half.

The draw left Everton one point in front of their old rivals and in sixth place.

"Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch," the club said in a statement.

"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."

The club have won only three of their opening league games, against Stoke City, Bournemouth and Aston Villa, and count a 3-0 thrashing at home by West Ham United among their early results.

Liverpool also needed a penalty shootout to overcome fourth-tier Carlisle United in the League Cup at Anfield after being held to a 1-1 draw at Anfield after extra time.