BREAKING NEWS: Carlo Ancelotti sacked as Chelsea manager

Chelsea have parted company with Carlo Ancelotti with immediate effect according to a statement on the club’s official website.

The Blues boss has been under pressure after seeing his side fail to defend their FA Cup and Premier League titles this season despite several big money signings.

The Stamford Bridge outift were also knocked out of the Champions League by finalists Manchester United and, with that trophy in particular rumoured to be the prime target of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, the Italian has paid for his failure with his job.

Ancelotti’s case has not been helped after the signing of Fernando Torres in January for £50 millon failed to spark a mid-season revival. Torres has scored just one goal since his move from Liverpool and although the signing of David Luiz has proved more successful, it has not been enough to turn Chelsea’s season around.

The statement read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Carlo Ancelotti parted company with the club today (Sunday, 22 May).

“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.

“There will be no further comment until that appointment is made.”

Chelsea finished second in the Premier League this season, 9 points behind the leaders, and after a final day defeat to Everton Ancelotti reflected that he was unsure of whether he would be in the job next term.

He said: “Maybe we will talk next week. Now the club has finished the season they can judge my job and they will take a decision in one week. I have to wait and see what happens.

“I don’t have to tell the club anything; they can judge my job for two years and looking at that they can comfortably take a decision.”