Planet Swans ArchivesJones will face up to his opposite number when Swansea City travel east for their local derby on Saturday with both sides currently occupying a play off position
And the Cardiff City boss revealed that he has a lot of time for Paulo Sousa and so much that they were even trying to arrange a lunch date this week in the lead up to the game.
Speaking to News of the World, Jones said "Just because we are with rivals sides it doesn't mean you can't be friends. I have a lot of time for him.
"I have a lot of respect fro what Paulo did as a player and what he's doing as a manager. I know a good friend of his and I know his agent. We're even trying to get together to have some lunch this week to show our solidarity.
"Just because you may fall out and have a disagreement on the touchline it doesn't mean you become enemies.
"When we do battle we will both want to win. I realise you may have to beat your friends and even take points off somebody who could lose their jobs at some point. But that's football.
"Yet if we do get this lunch going, he will have to pay for it.
"I understand the derby mentality and everyone – the fans the players and the club – want the bragging rights.
"But you also want the points and this is a key stage of the season. It's a big game for everyone but it doesn't make or break the season.
"but we know if you take points off your promotion rivals, it's a bonus."
