Watford boss Quique Flores backs Jurgen Klopp to be the next Jose Mourinho

WATFORD manager Quique Sanchez Flores claims English football will miss Jose Mourinho and tipped Jurgen Klopp to be the next managerial star.\

The Spaniard, 50, spoke on the eve of their home match with Klopp’s Liverpool, hoping to maintain their bright start in the Premier League.

They were heavily tipped for relegation yet Flores has turned Watford into a smart, attacking side but hopes they remain ‘humble’.

He is looking forward to his first meeting with Klopp and said: “He’s a very positive manager and always tries to do the best for the players. He always thinks about good, attacking football.

“Now he is in a moment where he wants to learn about the Premier League, his new players and the younger players.

“It looks like he wants to learn as quickly as possible about the Premier League and English football.

“Sunday is the first time I will oppose Klopp in a match. He’s positive, he’s educated and doesn’t look like he’s under pressure.

“His philosophy is attacking – always thinking about how to score more goals.

“He is clever and will take it slowly, step by step. He wants to know about the Premier League because it is completely different to the Bundesliga.

“When he finally decides what is his first XI, finally Liverpool will go all out for the top spot.

“But I do not focus on him. I am focusing on Liverpool as a team – on the players – because managers can plan and plan but finally the players are the most important people.

“I am not thinking too much about their coach – I am thinking about Adam Lallana and about Christian Benteke – this is what is I’m thinking about. I need to think about them more than the thoughts of Jurgen Klopp.”

Flores is sad over Mourinho’s sacking. He said: “I was a little bit surprised – Jose Mourinho was one of the best managers in the last 15 years.

“The Premier League has a lot of managers of high quality and Mourinho was one of the best. It’s not good for the Premier League to lose that kind of coach.

“He will be back at some stage – he will get a new team when he is ready.

“Two years ago I spoke to Mourinho and he told me how he loved the Premier League. Now that I’m working here I can understand why he loves it.

“Maybe he will take time off for reflection. He feels passion for his profession and he will be ready to coach again.”.