Chelsea sack Ranieri

Chelsea have dismissed manager Claudio Ranieri, the English Premier League side announced on Monday. ‘‘Claudio has done a first-class job for the club and has paved the way for future success,’’ a Chelsea spokesman said. ‘‘We would like to wish Claudio all the best for the future. We are discussing the exact terms of his departure with him and his representatives.’’

The spokesman added no immediate announcement would be made on Ranieri’s successor, but said the club expected to say something within the next 48 hours.

Ranieri’s job has been under threat since Chelsea were taken over by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in July. He is expected to be replaced by Porto’s Jose Mourinho.

Ranieri, 52, replaced Gianluca Vialli at Chelsea in September 2000, after coaching Valencia, Fiorentina and Atletico Madrid.