CLEVELAND -- Indians manager Terry Francona is bracing for a lump in his throat and maybe a tear or two.

He's going back to Boston.

For the first time as an opposing manager, Francona will walk into famed Fenway Park to face the Red Sox, the team he led to two World Series titles during eight seasons.

Francona, who was let go after the Red Sox collapsed in 2011, said he hasn't given much thought to his homecoming, but he's certain it will conjure up some memories.

"I'm sure I'll have a lot of emotions," he said Wednesday before his AL Central-leading Indians prepared to face the Detroit Tigers. "The one thing I want to remind myself -- and I have -- is that this game is tough enough to play and I don't want our guys having extra baggage during that series. I need to be very cognizant of that, that whatever feelings I'm having, I'll deal with 'em.

"It's hard enough to play this game."

Francona returned to Fenway in 2012 when he was working for ESPN. But this time will be different because he'll be wearing a uniform, and the 53-year-old made it clear that although he'll forever be remembered for what he helped the Red Sox accomplish, he's Cleveland's manager.

"I'm proud to go back there as an Indian," he said. "I don't want that to ever get lost in the shuffle."

Francona said he hasn't considered what kind of reaction he may get from Red Sox fans, who welcomed him warmly when he took part in Fenway's 100th anniversary ceremony last year.