Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says it was a “shock” to hear Roy Hodgson had been taken ill during his final training session at Crystal Palace and has spoken of his regret at not being able to “say goodbye” before the 76-year-old left Selhurst Park.
Former England coach Hodgson was described as being in a stable condition following tests in hospital which prevented him from attending a press conference on Thursday.
Palace have since announced that Hodgson has stepped down and been replaced by Austrian coach Oliver Glasner.
“I hope he’s doing well because it was a shock when I heard about him being taken ill while taking training,” said Klopp.
“I wish him just the very best of times. Staying healthy would be most important. It’s a shame I couldn’t say goodbye to him properly because we’ve faced each other frequently and like each other a lot.”
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Hodgson made a surprise return to the Premier League for his second spell at Palace last season, becoming the oldest ever manager in the top flight.
“I’ve said a couple of times that I don’t really understand why he is still doing the job,” said Klopp, who announced in January that he will leave Anfield at the end of this season for the good of his health.
“With my situation, you’ll probably understand even better why I don’t understand what he is doing.
“He is one of the greatest I have ever met, definitely, for having such a long time in the business. He is full of experience and was a trend-setter.”
Hodgson ‘did good job’ – Klopp
Multiple reports before Hodgson fell ill had said Palace planned to replace him with Glasner following a poor run of form for the Eagles, who are 15th after drawing 1-1 at Everton on Monday.
“The problem in our business is that when it’s not going well, people forget a bit how good the times were,” said Klopp.
“If there were some supporters shouting for him to get the sack, they definitely forget what a good job he did.”
