CHELSEA SACK LIAM ROSENIOR WITH SIX YEARS LEFT TO RUN ON CONTRACT AFTER NIGHTMARE SPELL

Liam Rosenior leaves Chelsea after losing his last five Premier League matches in charge, without the Blues scoring a single goal in any of those damaging defeats

Chelsea have sacked Liam Rosenior as their head coach(Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)

Liam Rosenior has been sacked by Chelsea following a run of five consecutive Premier League defeats in which the team failed to score.

That run is their worst in the league over the past 113 years, dating back to six months after the Titanic sank in 1912. Rosenior only signed a six-and-a-half-year deal in January and started brightly but his side have quickly fallen down the Premier League table.

They were beaten comfortably 3-0 by Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday, and now are almost certain to miss out on qualification for next season’s Champions League. And now the club confirmed that Callum McFarlane will take charge until the end of the season, starting with Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds.

Liam Rosenior acknowledges the Chelsea fans after the defeat to Brighton(Image: (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))

A club statement read: "On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the club," a statement read.

"Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.

"This has not been a decision the club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.

Liam Rosenior following Chelsea's defeat to Brighton(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

"Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future. Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as interim head coach until the end of the season with support from existing club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup.

"As the club works to bring stability to the head coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment."

Speaking after Chelsea’s defeat at the Amex, Rosenior, who replaced Enzo Maresca in January, said he must identify which players he can trust after delivering a scathing assessment of his team’s woeful defeat.

Chelsea's fans make their feelings known to the players after tht defeat to Brighton(Image: (Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images) )

“I understand their frustration,” he said of the fans. “The buck stops with me. I have thick skin and I understand why the fans are frustrated.

“I’m frustrated with the performances we’re putting in. I’ve just got to keep working hard with the staff, with the players.

“But what I do need to do is really look at how we go about games, the personnel of the team, who I can trust and rely on in difficult moments, because not enough players showed that.”

- Connor O'Neill  and Matthew Abbott

GHANA SACK ADDO BEFORE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

 

In news that made headlines in the last 24 hours, the Ghana Football Association sacked head coach Otto Addo 72 days ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The news follows Ghana’s 2-1 defeat against Germany in an International friendly on Monday night, a result that came after a mammoth 5-1 loss against Austria on 27 March.

Addo was appointed as Ghana head coach on 15 March 2024, while he previously took on an interim role with the Black Stars.

While Addo guided Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the GFA will now enter the upcoming showpiece with a different coach and technical team.

“The Ghana Football Association has parted ways with the head coach of the senior men’s national team, Otto Addo, effective immediately,” the GFA said in a statement.

“The Association wishes to thank Otto Addo sincerely for his contribution to the team and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours.

“The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course”.

- African Football 

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ERIK YEN HAG: EX-MAN UTD BOSS HITS OUT AT BAYER LEVERKUSEN AFTER UNPRECEDENTED EXIT

Leverkusen’s sporting director revealed that the club had concerns as early as preseason.

Erik ten Hag became the quickest departure in Bundesliga history. / Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images

Freshly departed Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag accused the Bundesliga outfit of never offering him any “mutual trust” before he was sacked just two weeks into the new domestic campaign.

Ten Hag was relieved of his duties on Monday morning after collecting one point from his first pair of league games. Never before had a manager from Germany’s flight lasted less than three matches—and Dieter Hecking’s previous record was a positive as he got poached by Hannover 96 after steering Alemannia Aachen to a 3–0 win against his future employers in the third week of the 2006–07 campaign.

The omens were grim for Ten Hag throughout the summer. A humiliating 5–1 loss to Flamengo’s U20 side was sandwiched between an exodus of star figures. By the time Leverkusen had given up a 3–1 lead against 10-man Werder Bremen on Saturday, a game which club captain Robert Andrich described as “misery versus misery,” the writing was on the wall for the former Manchester United boss.

Not that he read the signs. “The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise,” Ten Hag wrote in a stinging post on his agency’s Instagram. “To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.

Erik ten Hag only returned to management this summer after his exit from Manchester United. / Christof Koepsel/Getty Images

“This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust. A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play.

“I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret. I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.”

Those feelings were justified. As Leverkusen sporting director Simons Rolfes sensationally revealed 90 minutes after Ten Hag’s departure, the club had discussed sacking a coach appointed on July 1 before this weekend’s collapse in Bremen. “Before we arrive at the wrong destination, we decided to make the decision early,” was the brutal explanation provided.

“Of course, from the impressions from the preseason, from the first few games, we had the feeling that we had to do it now,” Rolfes damningly admitted.

“Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success,” Ten Hag declared in his bitter farewell. “Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware.

“Finally, I would like to thank the Bayer Leverkusen supporters for their warmth and passion, and I wish the squad and staff every success for the remainder of the season.”

- Grey Whitebloom

PREVIOUS MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGERS HAVE BEEN SACKED THE PAST WEEK 😲

 

CHRISTIAN HORNER BREAKS SILENCE AFTER SHOCKING RED BULL SACKING DECISION: 'WHEN I ARRIVED 20 YEARS AGO...'

Christian Horner reportedly broke down in tears as he bid farewell to the Red Bull team after being shockingly sacked as the Formula 1 team’s boss. He addressed Red Bull staff at their Milton Keynes campus.

Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull after 20 years as team principal. Image: Reuters

Former Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner was reportedly reduced to tears as he delivered a farewell speech to his former colleagues on Wednesday at the team’s Milton Keynes campus. The 51-year-old Horner, who led Red Bull to six Teams’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships in his 20-year tenure as the team boss, was sacked by the F1 team on Wednesday. Laurent Mekies has been named the new CEO of Red Bull Racing.

As per a report in the Guardian, Horner was at the Red Bull GmbH campus on Wednesday to speak to the 1,500-strong workforce for one last time.

Horner expresses shock at his sacking

According to the report, Horner got emotional as he expressed his shock at being removed from the CEO’s position.

“Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally, I will no longer be involved with the business for the team,” Horner said in a video accessed by Sky Sports News.

“The decision came as a shock to myself. I have had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and I wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news, and just express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the 20 and a half years that I have been here.

“When I arrived 20 years ago, with a few less grey hairs, I walked into a team and I didn’t know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed. We then started to build what became a powerhouse in Formula One. Watching and being part of this team has been the biggest privilege in my life.”

Later on Instagram, Horner added that it was “honour” for him to lead the Red Bull team. “After an incredible journey of 20 years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the team I have absolutely loved. It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motor sport.

“Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that.”

He added that he is leaving the team with “immense pride.”

“It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all. I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 – and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today.”

Under Horner’s guidance, Red Bull also won 107 pole positions, 124 race wins and 287 podiums.

Horner’s sacking comes a little over 17 months after he was accused of inappropriate behaviour by an employee.

- FP Sports Desk

CHRISTIAN HORNER SACKED BY RED BULL, LAURENT MEKIES NAMED NEW CEO

Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties by Red Bull, according to reports

Christian Horner has been sacked as Team Principal of the Red Bull Formula 1 team after 20 years in the job.

F1 reporter Erik van Haren from Holland’s De Telegraf has posted on his X account that the 51-year-old is to be removed from his post, and the staff at the team’s Milton Keynes based have been informed.

The bomb has dropped at Red Bull Racing,” van Haren wrote. “Team boss and CEO Christian Horner has been sacked after more than 20 years.”

Red Bull has now confirmed the move, staying that Horner was “released from his operational duties with effect from today”.

Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Red Bull’s statellite outfit Racing Bulls, will take Horner’s place as Team Principal and CEO.

Alan Permane, who was Racing Director at the Faenza-based squad, takes over as Racing Bulls boss.

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments.

“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.

“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

Horner has been the subject of numerous reports in recent months regarding his future and authority within the team.

After allegations were made about his private life, Horner was said to have come under pressure from certain circles around the team, including lead driver Max Verstappen’s father Jos.

In a communication released by Racing Bulls, new boss Mekies has said: “The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer].

“It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people.

“The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.

“Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early success.”

Permane added his own sentiments, saying: “I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trusrt they have shown in me.

“I am looking forward to working with Peter to cotinue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward.

“This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”

- Jack Oliver Smith

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LEICESTER CITY SENT CLEAR RUUD VAN NILSTELROOY 'SACKING' AHEAD OF TOUGH ARSENAL TEST

Latest Leicester City news from LeicestershireLive as club hierarchy urged to stick with man they hired in November despite poor run of results

Ruud van Nistelrooy on the touchline before Leicester City's 4-0 defeat to Everton (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

Leicester City have been told to stick with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy even if they are relegated back to the Championship come the end of the season.

The Dutchman replaced Steve Cooper as Foxes boss in late November, but has seen his team struggle to move clear of the Premier League drop zone. Leicester are currently on a run of one win in their last 10 top-flight games and have lost eight of them, leaving them third from bottom of the table and two points from safety.

They have the respite of an FA Cup clash at Manchester United on Friday (8pm) before resuming Premier League duties by hosting title-chasers Arsenal on February 15 (12.30pm), but old boy Stan Collymore insists van Nistelrooy deserves time at the King Power Stadium and that it would be “ridiculous” to replace him.

The former City striker and now pundit told William Hill Vegas: “It would be ridiculous if Ruud van Nistelrooy lost his job at Leicester. There’s an argument that neither van Nistelrooy nor Steve Cooper had the track record to be confident enough that either man could keep them in the Premier League.

“But you don't hire Cooper or van Nistelrooy unless you're prepared to give them a chance to do the job properly. Even if Leicester get relegated, I wouldn't sack van Nistelrooy. There's got to be some kind of stability and plan at the club, which has not been there for two or three years. So, van Nistelrooy must keep his job.”

Collymore, who scored five goals in 11 games for the Foxes after joining them on a pay-as-you-play basis in February 2000, fears his old club will damage their reputation if they keep sacking managers.

He explained: "Leicester can't be like Watford of a few years ago, because they’ll end up the same way as they did. Watford tried to be Chelsea by buying a load of players and sacking loads of managers.

"They kept sacking managers until they hoped they’d find one that kept them in the Premier League, or got them higher up the Premier League. Of course, in the end they got relegated, and they've not been back since.

“Leicester have a great academy, great facilities and a great stadium, which will be a strong lure for players. But players won't play for clubs where the manager keeps changing.

“The odds are that they are going to be relegated, they've not been very good at all this season. But I would give Van Nistelrooy a full season in the Championship to get things right and bring them back. If he doesn't, then you think about getting a manager that's working towards the top of the Championship or lower end of the Premier League with a track record. A Sean Dyche maybe.”

- Keith Wales, CVS Editor - Midland Sport

DOOR OPEN FOR REAL MADRID SUPERSTAR'S NATIONAL TEAM RETURN AFTER MANAGER FIRED

Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images

The doors for Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ return to the Belgium national team have opened after they sacked manager Domenico Tedesco earlier today.

The axing comes just ten months after the 39-year-old had extended his contract to oversee the team until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This could pave the way for Courtois to return to the Belgium setup, after he had decided not to make himself available for national team duty until Tedesco was in charge.

“I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under this manager. In this matter, I accept my share of responsibility,” he had stated in August last year.

What happened between Courtois and Tedesco?

It all began in June 2023, when Thibaut Courtois opted to leave the Belgium national team camp, with Tedesco declaring in the press that the 32-year-old left as he was snubbed for captaincy, only for the goalkeeper to refute those claims.

The rift between the pair only widened from that point on, with the Belgian FA also standing in support of the manager.

It has been more than 18 months since Courtois last played for the Red Devils, although he did express a desire to return to the setup in the future if circumstances changed.

“Obviously I hope to play another game, to say goodbye properly or to play again. I would love to play in the World Cup, but we’ll see what happens. It’s not that easy,” he had said only a couple of weeks back.

Now with Tedesco no longer at the helm of affairs, it could open the doors for Courtois to make a comeback into the national team, especially given that Belgium could use a player of his quality amidst their ongoing struggles.

- Raghavendra Goudar

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