LiveScore Daily: Celta Vigo sack head coach Benitez

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Bye bye Benitez

LaLiga side Celta Vigo have sacked head coach Rafa Benitez.

The former Liverpool boss had only been in charge for eight months but was unable to escape a relegation fight in his short stint, with Celta sitting one spot above the drop.

A statement on the club website said: "Rafa Benitez and his coaching staff leave Celta after eight months of absolute commitment and full dedication but in which the team has not obtained the results expected by the club.

"The club would like to express its most sincere gratitude to Rafa Benitez and his assistants for the involvement, honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival and the tireless work they have done.

"Celta also wants to wish them good luck and success in the future."

The 63-year-old is one of Europe's most decorated managers but will now look for his next challenge after struggling on his return to Spain.

Swedish sweet talk

Tottenham midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has penned an emotional letter to fans urging them to stick with the team and head coach Ange Postecoglou.

The North Londoners took a step closer to Champions League qualification by beating rivals Aston Villa last Sunday and the Swedish international says success is coming to N17.

Speaking to The Players' Tribune, he said: "Let me be clear — we want to win.

"We are fighting so hard to give you the trophies you deserve. We train for you, we eat for you, we sleep for you. We know this club changes lives.

"Ange never speaks about trophies. He says, 'Yes, we'll get there but first of all we have to become us. We have to find ourselves'.

"It's a huge deal to me when I see people wearing my shirt, because that means we connect on some level and I still find it incredible that I can simply score a goal and send 60,000 people home happy."

Walk in the park

Kyle Walker has praised referee Michael Oliver for his decision making at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool and Manchester City played out a 1-1 draw but there was controversy late on when Jeremy Doku appeared to foul Reds midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the box.

The challenge was waved away by Oliver and England international Walker, 33, believes it would have been easy for the official to crumble under the pressure of the crowd.

He said: "I think the referee did really well. I feel once you have the Anfield crowd behind them, he could've crumbled — but that shows his experience, that shows his character.

"That's why he's regarded as probably one of the best referees in this country and the world at the minute.

"It's probably not for me to say if I think it's a pen. If I say it's not a pen, it's headlines. If I say it is a pen, it's headlines."

Cole's courage

Cole Palmer says Chelsea need to continue playing with courage if they are to improve under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Blues beat Newcastle 3-2 at Stamford Bridge last night, with Palmer grabbing a goal and an assist to keep their faint hopes of European football next season alive.

He said: "We had the courage to play, which is what we need as a young team.

"We are going to make mistakes, so it's about going on to the next one and the next one.

"I think there is so much talent at Chelsea. The way the manager works with us on the pitch and the things he does with us, it's only going to get better.

"It's a project, everyone is young and everyone is trying to play well so you will see it sooner or later."

Successful surgery

Chelsea striker Mia Fishel has had successful surgery after tearing her anterior cruciate knee ligament earlier in the year.

The 22-year-old only joined the Blues last summer and had made 10 Women's Super League appearances before picking up her injury in training while on international duty with the United States.

Posting on social media, she said: "I'd like to thank my management and medical teams for a successful surgery today.

"I want to thank the United States national team and Chelsea for their unwavering support during this critical time.

"Exciting projects for 2024 are on the way and I look forward to sharing a more personal side of Mia."

Chelsea are aiming to win the quadruple before Emma Hayes departs in the summer and face off against title rivals Arsenal in a huge clash on Friday night.