World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has paid an emotional tribute to Mauricio Pochettino after his heartbreaking sacking by Tottenham Hotspur.
Pochettino was sacked on Tuesday, with Tottenham struggling in the league after picking up just three wins from their opening 12 games.
The 47-year-old had transformed Spurs' fortunes after arriving from Southampton in 2014, and although he failed to win a trophy he took the club to the Champions League final for the first time in their history just six months ago.
This season they were knocked out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Colchester United and suffered an embarrassing 7-2 defeat at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Following his sacking, Kipchoge shared a picture of him standing with Pochettino at Training Centre at Hotspur after he won London matrathon last year.
He wrote: “In recent years I have been able to meet with Mauricio, assistent Jesus, and their full coaching team several times. I've become very impressed with their human touch and I wish them all the best in whatever the future might bring.”
Tottenham Hotspur stars Harry Kane and Dele Alli also reacted to his sacking:
Gaffer. I’ll be forever thankful to you for helping me achieve my dreams. We’ve had some amazing moments in the last 5 and a half years that I will never forget. You were my manager but my friend as well and I thank you for that relationship. Good luck with your next chapter! ???? pic.twitter.com/u64RXV7wd4 — Harry Kane (@HKane) November 20, 2019
I can’t thank this man enough. He’s taught me so much and I’m so grateful for everything he’s done for me. Good luck and hope to see you again my friend. pic.twitter.com/dUO6AJlMxR — Dele (@dele_official) November 19, 2019
He leaves with Spurs 14th in the Premier League and having won only three of their opening league games.
Jose Mourinho was appointed Wednesday to replace Argentine Pochettino at Tottenham.