“No Disrespect…” – Preston North End Boss’ Verdict on Derby County and Paul Warne
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom has shared his thoughts on the upcoming match against Derby County, emphasizing that while his side must play to their best, they are more than capable of coming away with a victory.
Speaking ahead of the match, which follows the international break, the 47-year-old highlighted the strengths of Derby County, particularly their manager Paul Warne, but reiterated that Preston’s own performance will be the key to securing the points. Heckingbottom expressed no disrespect towards Derby, acknowledging their potential but maintaining that if Preston performs at their highest level, they can overcome any challenges posed by the visitors.
Warne, a highly regarded figure in English football management, has brought a strong level of professionalism and tactical discipline to Derby since his appointment. Heckingbottom praised Warne’s work, noting that Derby’s style of play under his guidance has been impressive, with the team showing solid structure and resilience. However, the Preston manager remained focused on his own team’s capabilities, stressing that the responsibility lies with Preston to bring their best football to the pitch.
In terms of where Derby County can hurt Preston, Heckingbottom pointed out their physicality and set-piece threat, areas that have been central to Warne’s approach to the game. He noted that Derby are a tough team to break down, with a strong emphasis on defensive organization and an ability to hit teams on the counter. However, Preston’s boss is confident that his team’s attacking quality, combined with solid defensive discipline, can be enough to neutralize Derby’s threat.
The international break has provided both teams with a chance to regroup and prepare, and Heckingbottom believes that his squad will be ready for the challenge. “If we can be at our best, we’ll give ourselves every chance,” he said. “It’s about us playing to the levels we know we are capable of. We respect Derby, but we are focused on what we can control.”
The match, set to be played at Deepdale, is a key one for both sides as they look to build momentum heading into the winter months. For Preston, a win would reinforce their promotion credentials, while Derby will be hoping to continue their push for the top spots in the table.
In conclusion, while Paul Heckingbottom is full of respect for Derby County and Paul Warne’s work, he firmly believes that if Preston North End play to their full potential, they can emerge victorious in the encounter. The focus remains on their own performance, with Heckingbottom backing his players to rise to the occasion.
