MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers played against Craig Counsell and the Chicago Cubs both in Arizona and at Wrigley Field.

But Monday marked the first time Counsell returned to American Family Field as the Cubs manager.

He was predictably booed when the Brewers showed a video tribute on the scoreboard and when Counsell brought out the Cubs lineup card.

In his crowded pregame session with reporters, Counsell was asked about the reception he expected.

“Cheer, boo, whatever man,” said Counsell. “Just have a good time at the game. That’s what fans get to do.”

Because of a two and a half hour rain delay before their game on Sunday night in St. Louis, the Cubs arrived in Milwaukee around 3 a.m.

Raised in Whitefish Bay, Counsell still has deep feelings for the state.

“I live in Wisconsin,” said Counsell. “I enjoy living here. I enjoy where I live. And that’s also really good.”

Counsell is the winningest manager in Brewers’ history. He guided them to the playoffs five out of the last six years. He knows some Brewers fans have called him a traitor for going to the Cubs.

“It’s not my job to tell people how to feel about something,” said Counsell. “Let people feel how they want to feel. And I’m good with that. And I think that it doesn’t have to be all positive, that we’re in a public job. Fans are allowed to feel how they want. Some things that happened at first bother you for sure. But as it goes on, if you’re you’re a fan, you get to feel how you want to feel. That’s all right. You’re entitled that as fans. So, I’m good with that.”

The Cubs started the four-game series in Milwaukee three and a half games behind the first-place Brewers in the National League Central Division.