Unai Emery and Mauricio Pochettino in agreement over Jürgen Klopp departing Liverpool

Unai Emery and Mauricio Pochettino have paid tribute to Jürgen Klopp following the surprising news he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

The two managers were evenly matched at Stamford Bridge on Friday night as Aston Villa drew 0-0 with Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round. Both teams could have done with some Klopp-like magic to avoid a replay but it remained goalless.

Conversations post-match were always going to be dominated by Klopp but that was even more the case after a stalemate unfolded under the lights in West London. The initial questions Emery and Pochettino received in the post-match press conference were - unsurprisingly - all about the Liverpool boss.

Facing the media first, Emery said: "He has decided and we have to respect him. I appreciate him a lot as a person and a coach. We’ve been fighting but we’ve always been respectful. His career is amazing and he is a very good example for coaches and me as well."

Pochettino, following a few minutes later, said: "I was in shock when I saw the news. It’s really sad; we will miss him. When I was sacked from Tottenham, the first message was from him. I want to show my respect because the job with Liverpool is amazing. We have to respect his wish to rest."

There's no wonder as to why Emery and Pochettino respect Klopp so much as the 56-year-old has one six trophies during his eight years at Liverpool. The former Borussia Dortmund man has helped the Reds dominate again, with some of the finest titles including the Premier League and Champions League.

Klopp will be a big miss to English football - and especially for his fellow managers who hold him in such high regard.