Liverpool have sacked manager Brendan Rodgers with immediate effect.
The decision to dismiss Rodgers was made before Sunday's draw at Everton, which left the Reds 10th in the Premier League and six points off top spot.
"Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch," said a club statement.
Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp, who are currently out of work, are the frontrunners to replace Rodgers.
"The search for a new manager is under way and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner," added Liverpool's statement.
Former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Ancelotti, Ajax boss Frank de Boer and ex-Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp have all been linked with the Liverpool job in recent weeks as the club made an inconsistent start to the season.
| Liverpool's next manager - the key contenders | |
|---|---|
|
Jurgen Klopp |
Former Borussia Dortmund manager |
|
Carlo Ancelotti |
Former Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSG manager |
|
Frank de Boer |
Current manager of Ajax |
|
Walter Mazzarri |
Former Inter Milan manager |
|
Jurgen Klinsmann |
Manager of the United States |
Rodgers, who took over in June 2012, led Liverpool to second place in the 2013-14 campaign, when they led the title race with three games to go but lost out to Manchester City.
The Northern Irishman was told of the decision when visited at his home by Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre after Sunday's game at Merseyside rivals Everton.