Here is some reaction from the football world to the sacking of Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed by the Premier League club on Tuesday.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp:
“He’s a very competitive guy, very ambitious. He has all my respect, he has had unbelievable success.
“I can imagine the last few months were not a joy for anybody, especially him... It’s not nice if you face these questions every day.
“Nobody can take away all the things he won. I hope he has that in his mind when he leaves, and not the few other things that happened. He is an outstanding manager.”
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino:
“I feel so sorry because you know very well I have a very good relationship with him, so it’s very sad news what happened today. It’s not my business what happened today, and only I want to send my best wishes to Jose.
“There are a lot of rumours about my position as manager at Tottenham. I cannot answer this type of question.
“The business you know very well, a lot of rumours happen. I’m so focused in trying to deliver my best in this football club.”
"Nobody can take away all the things he has won. Nothing can take that away."
What next for Jose Mourinho? @LFC boss Jurgen Klopp says Jose Mourinho still an 'outstanding manager': https://t.co/2mhGQilUFl pic.twitter.com/60Paldty4d
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 18, 2018
Arsenal manager Unai Emery:
“The only thing I can say to you is I was surprised – and it is not good news because, when one coach finishes his work like that, it’s not good for other coaches.
“It is not good news, but I don’t know a lot as to why this decision happened. My focus is tomorrow on the derby (against Tottenham), the focus for me and for every player is just that.”
Former United captain Gary Neville:
“I’ve been fortunate to spend time at Tottenham’s training ground, and for me, he (Mauricio Pochettino) feels like the ideal candidate.
“United have tried managers who have won European cups, they’ve tried managers who have won multiple leagues.
“My view is they need someone who meets the three key principles of the football club, and that is promotion of youth, entertaining football, and to win football matches.”
"Bye guys.” 👋
Jose Mourinho departs The Lowry Hotel this afternoon, after being sacked by @ManUtd today. 🏨
Follow updates and reaction after Jose Mourinho is sacked as @ManUtd manager here: https://t.co/kouvEuOFMj pic.twitter.com/hbpxrfTKcQ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 18, 2018
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand:
“I was one of his biggest advocates two-and-a-half years ago when he joined Man United and felt he stabilised our club when we needed it...
“You can’t ignore what Jose has achieved as a manager previously, but I feel the time has come for fresh ideas at MUFC.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker:
“With United 19 points behind Liverpool after 17 games, with the vast majority of players playing way below their best – and dour football to boot…
“Given Mourinho was allowed to spend hundreds of millions on those players, the split seemed inevitable.
“Would imagine one of the main reasons for sacking Mourinho now would be to stop the attempted mass exodus of their best players next month.”
Manchester United has announced that Jose Mourinho has left the Club.
We would like to thank him for his work during his time at Manchester United and wish him success in the future. #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 18, 2018
Former United striker Michael Owen:
“Inevitable is the word I’d use. Mourinho had to go in the end. Simply not getting anywhere near enough out of his players.”