Everton end Rafa's miserable reign after Norwich defeat
Everton have fired manager Rafa Benitez following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Norwich.
The Toffees have lost nine of their last 12 Premier League games and sit six points from the relegation zone in 15th place.
Ex-Liverpool boss Benitez spent just over six months at Goodison Park after replacing Carlo Ancelotti last June.
And a club statement confirmed: "Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as first-team manager.
"An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course."
Picking up 10 points from their opening four league games, the Merseysiders made a promising start under the Spaniard.
A winless run in October and November heightened tensions but a 2-1 victory over Arsenal looked to have relieved pressure on Benitez.
But discontent continued into the new year, with full-back Lucas Digne, sold to Aston Villa this week, outspoken in his criticism of the 61-year-old.
And the humbling loss at Carrow Road proved to be the final straw.