Everton have sacked their manager Rafael Benitez less than seven months after he took over at Goodison Park.
The 61-year-old Spanish manager replaced Carlo Ancelotti in June after the Italian departed to return to Real Madrid.
Benitez also briefly managed at Real, but it was his previous job as Liverpool manager which meant Everton fans were reluctant to embrace his appointment in the first place.
The former Inter Milan boss was given a limited budget to build his squad but still disappointed fans and the owners with the club falling to 15th after losing to fellow relegation strugglers Norwich City on Saturday.
In a brief statement on the club’s official website, the news was confirmed, saying: “Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as First Team manager.
“Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the Club with immediate effect.
“An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course.”