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Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochetinno says Jurgen Klopp has a “massive legacy” following his decision to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.
Speaking after his side’s goalless draw with Aston Villa in the FA Cup, Pochettino said: “I was shocked because today I was working a little bit before the game and I saw the news. Really sad because already we miss him. When I was sacked from Tottenham, the first message I received was from him. That is not the case, I didn’t send him a message but I’m going to have the opportunity on Wednesday (when Chelsea take on Liverpool) to thank him and show my respect.
“I think the job he was doing at Liverpool is amazing. We are going to miss him but he deserves his wishes, to rest a little bit and go away. Yes, I think sad news for football. He’s a great character, great man, great coach – for sure, English football is going to miss him and Liverpool, of course.”
“It is clear…when he arrived his first game was against us (Tottenham) at White Hart Lane. We drew 0-0. The legacy is massive, not just his charisma but the capacity to manage and to create a legacy at a club like Liverpool. His own philosophy and history is there.
“I need to congratulate him and everyone involved, the coaching staff. The praise he is going to receive from here until the end of the season is fully deserved.”
