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.

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.

Liverpool are owned by Fenway Sports Group and a joint statement from 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.

“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.”

Rodgers spoke of a “constant rebuilding” job

at the club following his last game in charge, and he also highlighted the impact of losing “four real catalysts” of his side.

Jamie Carragher, Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard have left Liverpool during Rodgers’s time at the club.

The Reds suffered an embarrassing 6-1 defeat at Stoke City, as the club managed just one win in their last six top-flight matches at the end of last season. They were also knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa at the semi-final stage.

It means Rodgers is the first Reds manager since the 1950s not to win a trophy in his first three seasons, after finishing seventh, second and sixth in the league since his appointment.

Liverpool spent about £80m in the summer as he brought in the likes of Christian Benteke, Danny Ings, Roberto Firmino, Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez.

However, the Anfield club managed just four wins, including a victory on penalties against League Two Carlisle at home in the Capital One Cup, in 11 games so far this season.

“I’m shocked” – the best reaction

Former England striker and BBC radio 5 live 606 host Ian Wright:

“I am shocked, he was meant to be the new kid on the block, but he had run out of time.

“It is unfortunate for him but I don’t think Liverpool owed him that time, they gave him a lot of money to spend.

“The club are nowhere near where they want to be. A club of Liverpool’s size do not need to answer to anyone.”

Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports:

“Rodgers can’t argue in some ways. He’s been there three years, he hasn’t won a trophy and they’ve played Champions League football once. That’s not good enough for Liverpool.

“Liverpool are becoming Tottenham. They think they are a big club but the real big clubs aren’t concerned about what they do. What are these owners going to do to get the club back to where it needs to be?”

Swansea manager Garry Monk – who played under Rodgers at the Liberty Stadium:

“I am surprised at the decision. I cannot believe it. It is a very harsh decision and he did not deserve that at all.

“He is a top manager; you do not know what happens behind closed doors. I am not sure who would do a better job at Liverpool.

“He will bounce back. He was so supportive to me, giving me advice when I got the job [at Swansea]. He is a top man and a top manager. I don’t understand it.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:

“I’m always sad when that happens as I think he is a quality manager. Unfortunately the pressure is always bigger on the managers.

“I think what he has done at Liverpool, he was very unlucky to not win the Premier League. He was closest certainly to winning the Premier League in all the managers that have been working for the club, but that is the way it goes now and I wish him good luck. I’m sure he will find a job again.”