West Ham have sacked manager Manuel Pellegrini after a 2-1 home defeat by Leicester City – their ninth loss in the past 12 games. The Hammers’ latest defeat on Saturday leaves them 17th, one point above the Premier League relegation zone. “It is with great disappointment that we’ve had to make this decision,” said joint-chairman David Sullivan.

“It has become clear that a change is required to get the club back on track in line with our ambitions this season. “We felt it was necessary to act now in order to give the new manager as much time as possible to try and achieve that goal.” Pellegrini leaves after 18 months in charge, having been appointed in May 2018 on a three-year deal, and was told about his departure shortly after conducting post-match interviews. West Ham made the announcement within two hours of losing to Leicester. Asked after the game whether he was the right man to guide the Hammers out of trouble, Pellegrini said: “Of course. I am confident. I have a lot of experience of being in this position. “When you don’t get the result people talk about you being sacked. For me I only worry about managing games.” West Ham entertain Bournemouth on New Year’s Day but the club are yet to announce who will take charge for the game.