Eddie Howe has lauded Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, calling the German a “pioneer of the game”.
The two will go head to head over the festive period as United head to Newcastle on December 27, with the visitors in action for the first time in over two weeks after their Covid outbreak.
The game will be just Rangnick’s fourth game in charge since being appointed as interim manager, with the former RB Leipzig boss leading United until the end of the season before moving into a consultancy role.
The 63-year-old is famed for his high-pressing style back in Germany, and has been cited as an influence on the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann.
And it seems Howe is also among his admirers, with the Newcastle boss relishing the opportunity to come up against Rangnick over Christmas.
"He's one of the culture change managers who's brought in a lot of new ideas that a lot of people have followed. A definite pioneer of the game,” Howe said in his pre-match press conference.
“He's someone I've had a couple of conversations with over the years and someone I highly respect and admire."
The Newcastle boss confirmed during his press conference that his side currently have no positive Covid cases, following the chaos last weekend which saw just four Premier League games played.
United will hope they can avoid any more positive tests, with players making their way back to training this week after Carrington was closed following last week’s outbreak.
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