Ancelotti sacked by Chelsea just two hours after final-day defeat

Ancelotti was removed from his post less than two hours after yesterday afternoon’s final Barclays Premier League game of the season at Everton, which the deposed champions lost 1-0.

That heralded the end of their worst season since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003, with Ancelotti failing to win a trophy in what was his second year at the helm.

The club said in a statement on their official website: “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.”

It is understood Ancelotti was given his marching orders by chief executive Ron Gourlay at Goodison Park after completing his post-match media duties.

That press conference had seen him reiterate his belief that he would have a meeting with his bosses this week.

The Italian was in good humour, saying: “I am now on holiday – but I am not sure how long my holiday will be. We haven’t arranged any meeting but I think in the next week, now the season is finished, the club can address my job and they will take a decision. I have to wait and see what happens.

“I don’t have to say anything to the club – they can judge me on my job for two years.”

Ancelotti won the club’s first Premier League and FA Cup double in his maiden season in charge last year but his side have ended this campaign empty-handed. Rumours Ancelotti was to depart grew after the club crashed out of the Champions League quarter-finals against Manchester United and his fate was ultimately sealed when a late title charge ended with defeat to the same opponents.

Ancelotti was recruited from AC Milan two years ago partly because of his reputation as a Champions League specialist. But his two cracks with Chelsea saw the club twice suffer early exits.

The Italian’s departure will nevertheless elicit a great deal of sympathy. The decision to allow five senior players to leave last summer and focus more on youngsters appeared to backfire when injuries struck the spine of the team.

That co-incided with the shock sacking of assistant manager Ray Wilkins, which was immediately followed by the club’s worst run in the league for almost 15 years.

January’s arrival of Fernando Torres also arguably had a destabilising effect at a time when Chelsea looked to be getting their season back on track.

Ancelotti will pocket the final year of his reported £5m-per-season salary and is unlikely to be out of work long, with former club Roma seeking a new manager.