Manchester City sack manager Gareth Taylor

Manchester City have announced that they have sacked head coach Gareth Taylor.

The news comes just a few days before the team face Chelsea in the League Cup final.

Taylor had been in charge of City for nearly five years and led the club to two major trophies during his time as manager.

City currently sit fourth in the Women's Super League (WSL) table, 12 points behind defending champions Chelsea.

What has been announced?

Former manager Nick Cushing has returned as interim boss

Gareth Taylor was appointed manager of Manchester City in May 2020.

He helped the team lift the FA Cup in his first year in charge, before winning the League Cup in 2022.

However, City missed out on last season's WSL title on goal difference and currently sit fourth in the table, outside the Champions League places.

In a statement, the club thanked Gareth for all of his efforts during his time at City.

They added: "Manchester City prides itself on competing at the top of the WSL and on its outstanding record of qualifying for European competition.

"Unfortunately, results this season have so far not reached this high standard."

Former Manchester City women's coach Nick Cushing will replace Taylor on an interim basis.

City next play on Saturday when they take on Chelsea in the League Cup final.

The north-west side are also through to next month's FA Cup semi-finals, where they will face Manchester United for a place in the final.