Liverpool owners explain decision to sack Brendan Rodgers

This is not a drill, people.

Brendan Rodgers has been officially sacked as manager of Liverpool just hours after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Everton in the Merseyside Derby. Football scribe Chris Bascombe broke the news on Twitter, revealing that Rodgers was handed his pink slip by Liverpool's chief executive Ian Ayre and by a phonecall from Mike gordon. https://twitter.com/_ChrisBascombe/status/650724309233737729 Liverpool have since issued a statement on Rodgers' sacking on their official website, which can be read in full below.

"Liverpool Football Club has announced that Brendan Rodgers will leave his post with immediate effect after having his contract terminated. The process to appoint a new manager is underway. The Northern Irishman joined Liverpool FC in June 2012 and helped the club mount a memorable title challenge in his second season, as well as helping to develop many exciting young players. LFC's ownership have paid tribute and thanked Rodgers for his contribution. In a joint Fenway Sports Group statement, Principal Owner John W Henry, Chairman Tom Werner and President Mike Gordon said: “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. “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 underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.”