CHELSEA have given manager Carlo Ancelotti the boot this evening.
Pressure had been mounting on the Blues boss since the club suffered their worst run since Roman Abramovich took control of the club.
And the Russian billionaire owner’s patience finally ran out following Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat away to Everton today.
A statement on the club’s official website said: "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."
The Italian’s sacking does not come as a surprise after he admitted he "would have no problem" accepting the axe from Abramovich.
His last ever public words as Chelsea boss in the wake of this afternoon’s defeat hinted that he already knew the axe was set to swing.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ancelotti said: "I am on holiday now. I don't know for how long."
Attention now turns to who will replace the double-winner, with Marco van Basten and Guus Hiddink among the front-runners for the position.
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