Rangers manager Derek McInnes says he is "not a fan" of the extended international break, which he considers "too long". His side went into the break on a run of six straight victories, the latest two coming against Celtic in the League Cup and Premiership. The form has been a much-needed revival for Derek McInnes, who was named Premiership manager of the month for September, after a rocky start to his time at Ibrox that included an exit from European competition.
McInnes says he is under "no illusions" that the good form has to continue. He also revealed he had lunch with Sir Alex Ferguson at the club's training ground. The former Manchester United boss was a regular visitor to Tynecastle last season, when McInnes spearheaded Hearts' unexpected title charge.
"He spent a bit of time with the staff and me, chewing the fat as he does," McInnes explained. "He has always been really supportive, and I'm sure he is with a lot of managers. I've had a couple of conversations with him since I've been at the club, but to see him in person was good. Particularly after his health scare."
McInnes said Ferguson had enjoyed what the team was doing at Hearts, but understood the opportunity to join Rangers was there, and the two spoke long and hard about it. Ferguson also spoke about his own difficult starts at Manchester United, telling McInnes that it is how you finish a campaign that matters, not how you start it. "Sometimes it can take time," McInnes added. He felt the team was particularly strong in its performance at Celtic Park.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing