Ryan Lowe is indebted to Norwich City head coach David Wagner for his words of wisdom during their respective periods under pressure this season. 

Both coaches have been through spells of criticism and poor form but guided their teams through it and into the play-off mix ahead of this weekend's crunch meeting at Deepdale. 

Wagner found himself facing calls for his dismissal in the autumn after a run of seven defeats in nine, but has led Norwich into the top six with four games to play. 

Lowe has suffered similar and was even backed in a public statement by Preston’s owners before an uplift in form that has kept their top six hopes ignited. 

When the two coaches met back in December after a goalless draw at Carrow Road, Wagner offered Lowe some advice that has helped him navigate through the tough personal period - something he remains grateful for as the pair prepare for battle this weekend. 

“They’re a good team and they are where they are for a reason,” Lowe told the Lancashire Evening Post. “They had a bit of a dip and I remember speaking to David Wagner about that, when we played them down there.

"He was excellent - talking about expectation, what they want and where they are trying to get to. No-one has any given right to be up there - you’ve got to earn it and that’s what they’ve done. He was good... I won’t go into too much detail.

“But, it was obviously about the pressure from behind and the performances weren’t great on his behalf. Results were okay and he was a good manager to have a good conversation with. I thanked him for his time - I was in there for about 25 minutes with him.

The Pink Un: David Wagner has been forced to endure highs and lows at Norwich City this season.David Wagner has been forced to endure highs and lows at Norwich City this season. (Image: Focus Images)

"He knows the league and has been there, seen it and done it. He’s managed big clubs and I respect every manager who has done something in the game - and those who are new to it, with new ideas.

“I am always like a sponge in that department, because you can always take something. Credit where it is due, he has done fantastically well to get them where he’s got them.

“As you saw earlier in the season, there were a lot of people calling for his head. I am a big believer that things happen for a reason. We expect a tough challenge, but I think they will expect the same as well.”