Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores surprised by Jose Mourinho's departure

Mourinho's second spell with the Stamford Bridge club came to a shock conclusion on Thursday after he parted company with a side who are 16th in the table.

Sanchez's high-flying Watford side travel to Chelsea, who have lost nine times already this season, on Boxing Day. But the Hornets boss fears Mourinho's exit will have a negative impact on England's top flight.

Reflecting on Mourinho's departure, Sanchez said: "It was a big surprise. It would be very nice for the Premier League to keep this category of coach.

"I think Mourinho has been one of the best managers of the last 15 years, and he's shown everything he could in this league.

"Mourinho is one of the best. It is not good for the Premier League to lose this kind of coach.

"It is a pity. They have very good players, Jose is an amazing coach, they have a big history and they have very good fans, but football is always a surprise."

Mourinho guided Chelsea to successive titles in 2005 and 2006 during his first spell in charge of the west London club. He returned in 2013 before winning the championship with Chelsea for a third time last season.

But the Blues have been a shadow of their former selves this season and Mourinho leaves a side battling relegation.

The Portuguese has already been linked to the managerial post at Manchester United, with Louis van Gaal coming under increasing pressure.

And Flores expects the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss to return to the Premier League.

"For sure," Flores said when asked if Mourinho will manage in England again. "Maybe he'll take time for reflection. He feels passion for this profession. I think Jose is ready to train again."

Sanchez's Watford, who are seventh in the table after three consecutive victories, host Liverpool at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Flores will go head-to-head with Jurgen Klopp for the first time in his managerial career, but the Watford boss says his attentions will be on the Liverpool team rather than their charismatic manager.

"He's a very positive manager and he's always thinking about good, offensive football," Sanchez added.

"He wants to learn about the Premier League and it is new for him.

"But I'm not thinking too much about the coach, I'm thinking about Adam Lallana, James Milner, Emre Can, Christian Benteke. That's more important than the thoughts of Jurgen Klopp."