1995 Honda Passport the engine is choking

Just took my car back from a mechanic. They changed the water pump because my car was licking a lot of water.I went to pick it up but since I started the engine I had the sensation that the engine sound was kind of muffled. Then I drove it a little bit and the car is choking and the engine doesn't pick up very well. They told me it's because I need to replace the clutch! Doees the clutch something to do with the fact that now is choking! Or would the car choking after they replace the water pump? I went back to the mechanic right away and they saied all they did is changing the water pump (of course thay would say that!) Thanks.