PALACE boss Ian Holloway paid tribute to his opposite number Gus Poyet following Saturday's 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Eagles manager was unaware of how big the rivalry was between the two clubs before the match, but revealed he's not bothered if his admiration for the Uruguayan puts a dampener on it slightly.
"Gus is a fantastic manager," he said. "He tries to dominate the ball and pass it. But once they went a man short, that gave us the impetus and we managed to grab it.
"They're a terrific team, I've got the utmost respect for that man and the way he tries to play, and we're both trying to get on with our jobs.
"Gus has got every right to say whatever he thinks is right because he's got a great bunch of lads there.
"You won't catch me talking down about anybody else's player and I'm sure he wouldn't about mine, so good luck to him and what he's trying to do.
"I actually like him, so if that spoils the rivalry, I don't really care. I think football is a wonderful thing and the way Gus' side play, they were hampered with the sending off.
"It really did knock them out of their stride and we capitalised on it.
"Never once did they drop their hands, never once did they stop, and even when I took Mile Jedinak off, they still had the fight at the end.
"I'm sure they'll have their day because they're a very good side."
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The Eagles manager was unaware of how big the rivalry was between the two clubs before the match, but revealed he's not bothered if his admiration for the Uruguayan puts a dampener on it slightly.
"Gus is a fantastic manager," he said. "He tries to dominate the ball and pass it. But once they went a man short, that gave us the impetus and we managed to grab it.
"They're a terrific team, I've got the utmost respect for that man and the way he tries to play, and we're both trying to get on with our jobs.
"Gus has got every right to say whatever he thinks is right because he's got a great bunch of lads there.
"You won't catch me talking down about anybody else's player and I'm sure he wouldn't about mine, so good luck to him and what he's trying to do.
"I actually like him, so if that spoils the rivalry, I don't really care. I think football is a wonderful thing and the way Gus' side play, they were hampered with the sending off.
"It really did knock them out of their stride and we capitalised on it.
"Never once did they drop their hands, never once did they stop, and even when I took Mile Jedinak off, they still had the fight at the end.
"I'm sure they'll have their day because they're a very good side."
The contents of this article must not be reproduced without the permission of the Croydon Advertiser.
Follow me on Twitter for the latest news, exclusives and live match updates @AdvertiserSport
If you're on Facebook, please 'Like' our page at www.facebook.com/AdvertiserSport
And now you can watch our exclusive away video clips on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/AdvertiserSport