The Italian has failed to turn the Cottagers’ fortunes around with an immediate return to the Championship looking all but inevitable. Fulham have sacked manager Claudio Ranieri after just 16 games in charge. Ranieri leaves Craven Cottage after Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Southampton left the club 19th in the Premier League and ten points from safety.
First-team coach and former midfielder Scott Parker has been confirmed as caretaker manager. “Claudio’s tenure at Fulham didn’t produce the outcome we anticipated and needed when I appointed him as manager in November, but be assured he is not solely to blame for the position we are in today,” said Fulham owner Shahid khan in a statement on the club’s website.
“Claudio walked into a difficult situation, inheriting a side that gained only one point in its prior eight matches, and he provided an immediate boost by leading our Club to nine points in his first eight matches as manager.
“Though we were unable to maintain that pace thereafter, I am grateful for his effort. Claudio leaves Fulham as our friend and he will undoubtedly experience success again soon.”
More to follow.