Fulham have sacked coach Claudio Ranieri following a 2-0 defeat to Southampton on Wednesday.

The English Premier League club’s chairman Shahid Khan confirmed the departure in a statement on Thursday evening. Scott Parker has been placed in charge as caretaker manager until the end of the season.

Khan said in a statement: “Following our discussion this afternoon, Claudio Ranieri agreed to my decision that a change was in the best interests of everyone.

“No surprise to me, Claudio was a perfect gentleman, as always.

“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.”

Ranieri managed just three wins in 17 matches since taking over Slavisa Jokanovic at Craven Cottage in November.