Photo by AtilaTheHun

Chelsea have sacked manager Carlo Ancelotti.

In a statement from Chelsea, this is what the club said regarding the departure:

“The owner and board would like to thank Carlo for his contribution and achievements since taking over as manager in July 2009, which included winning the Double for the first time in the club’s history.

However, this season’s performances have fallen short of expectations and the club feels the time is right to make this change ahead of next season’s preparations.

Carlo will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge, where he will be given the reception and respect his position in our history deserves.

Chelsea’s long-term football objectives and ambitions remain unchanged and we will now be concentrating all our efforts on identifying a new manager.”

The move by Chelsea comes after the Blues lost Sunday in their final game of the season against Everton. Chelsea’s failure to win the Champions League is seen by many as the reason why Roman Abramovich decided to pull the plug despite Chelsea’s late run for the title where they were pipped by Manchester United. Despite finishing in second place, it wasn’t enough for Abramovich.

It now starts all over again for Chelsea as they hunt to find a new manager.

What’s your reflection on this breaking story? And who do you think would be the appropriate manager to take Ancelotti’s place?