Warbs is full of praise for Dons boss McInnes
MARK WARBURTON admits he admires the job being done by Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes.
The Rangers manager even took time to pick the brains of his Pittodrie counterpart. Although there’s intense rivalry between the fans, the men in the dugouts are on good terms.
Their friendship will only be suspended for the 90 minutes of today’s Premiership clash in the north east.
Warburton said: “I met Derek and had lunch with him a short while ago.
“We were both in Glasgow so decided to meet for a cuppa.
“We talked a bit about football. He’s a top manager and a topquality coach.
“It was good to get his perspective on Scottish football. It’s always good to hear that.
“I’ve actually met him a few times and I’ve a lot of respect for what he’s done.
“He’s got a high-quality squad and added to it again this season, so we know the test we face.
“The job he’s doing at Aberdeen is first-class.
“I know Robbie Neilson of Hearts, too, and speak to him, so it’s always useful to talk to different managers and hear what they’re thinking.
“As well as a good squad, Aberdeen have unity and enjoy European football like everyone else.
“So there are a lot of positives and qualities within their squad.
“We are well aware of the venue and the warmth of reception we will likely get.
“One of the first things that was mentioned is ‘the pitch is small’.
“I think it’s just that the stands are very tight and it makes the pitch look tight, although I have never been to Pittodrie.”
Meanwhile, Warburton is predicting that football leagues will be very different in the future.
He offered his own take on things when ask if he agreed that Rangers and Celtic now have no chance of moving to England.
He said: “That’s too spicy a subject for me to comment on directly. But I think UEFA have indicated their willingness to allow cross-border games.
“I think you’re going to see significant changes after Euro 2020. We could see world leagues
“It wouldn’t surprise me to see Man United v Boca – or Arsenal v Fluminese – being played in Beijing, for example, in the future. That’s the way the game is going.
“Rangers, like every club in the country and Europe, will be jostling for position ahead of any changes.”