Daniel Farke is out to make sure it is not the Alex Neil show.
Norwich City’s head coach knows the back story around Neil’s Championship return with Preston on Saturday, but insists that sub-plot is irrelevant.
“I am sure will be highly motivated. We are concentrated on the game, not so much on me and him,” said Farke. “When you come to a new club it is important to make your own picture and don’t be influenced by others.
“It is not usual to speak with a former manager after such a period.
“I didn’t speak to David Wagner when he left Borussia Dortmund. After some weeks we did meet, yes, because he still had a flat in Dortmund and we had some meetings about developing players and English football.
“Alex was able to lead this club to a promotion. We play with a lot of young lads this season. Last season the squad was the one that was relegated from the Premier League so I don’t think you can compare the two. There has been a big change over the summer, with 16 players going and 13 arriving.
“Last season they were struggling to defend and since Millwall we have been one of the best defending teams.
“Our problem is to score more goals, which wasn’t the problem last season.”
MORE: Like our Pinkun Facebook page for Norwich City content
Farke is not expecting fireworks in his technical area when he comes face to face with the abrasive Scot.
“He is a gentle guy and I am looking forward to speaking to him for the first time, like I do with all the managers,” he said. “Sometimes the managers on the touchline are pretty emotional.
“I can remember a game with Chris Wilder that was a little bit spicy. Other times it can be more relaxed.
“After Hull I was criticised for sprinting onto the field when we scored so late. Some situations you can’t control everything and the emotions break out but as long as it is in a respectful way that is fine.
“I can’t judge what he did here before because I didn’t watch many games when he was the manager.
“I have watched Preston and all I can say is they are a team who, especially in the beginning of the season, was really hard to score goals against.
“They are a team with an aggressive attitude and the will to defend pretty high.”
• For the latest Norwich City news and opinion follow Group Football Editor Paddy Davitt on the following channels…
Paddy Davitt on Twitter @paddyjdavitt
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here