The Light Blues make the trip to face Hearts as they continue a big week, with a Premier Sports Cup semi-final to follow at the weekend.
Speaking to the media ahead of the match, McInnes reflected on his time in charge of the Edinburgh side and the reception he may receive on his return.
He said: “I loved my time at Hearts, I need to say that. It was only a short time but I thought my Hearts team were a breath of fresh air.
“I really enjoyed what we managed to achieve. It shows what can be done despite not having the huge financial muscle of Rangers and Celtic to compete with, and I was proud of what we did there.
“I understand that it is not going to be great for me tomorrow, but I get it. Nothing will change how I felt about my time at Hearts. We had a brilliant season, my players were outstanding and we showed what could be done.”
Hearts haven't lost a league match at Tynecastle since April 2025 and McInnes knows the home side’s record is one his players must be prepared for.
He continued: “Hearts have got a really strong squad and that is a home record to be proud of. We understand it is going to be a difficult game, but I take comfort from a few weeks back when we went to Celtic Park with no fans and dealt with the circumstances there.
“Tynecastle has a brilliant atmosphere. It can be ferocious at times, it can be so passionate and you have got to deal with that side of it, but you have also got to be confident enough to deal with the game.
“I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be a test for my team, but I think we are ready for it.”
The manager confirmed that everyone involved at the weekend is available for tomorrow’s match, while he was also asked about the partnership developing between Ryan Naderi and Kevin Kelsy.
He said: “I think they work off each other really well. They have got similar traits in terms of that proper work ethic and they want to try and impose themselves on the game.
“The fact of the matter is they have contributed through the goals and everything else becomes an add-on to that, so we have to try and keep that goal threat.
“It is never a bad thing when your two strikers find some sort of patterns and compatibility up there to play up front and still score goals.”
Looking ahead to the contest, McInnes expects both sides to play with intensity and says his players must be ready to perform.
He added: “Both teams have got a lot of good players and both sets of players can play at a tempo, can play at a speed, they can press properly and they play in possession really quickly as well.
“The speed on the pitch will be there, and the environment off the pitch will be there, so it all lends itself to a cup-tie atmosphere and you have got to be ready for it.”
