Vincent Kompany admits he is on a “journey” to the Premier League, just like his Burnley players.
The Clarets are yet to enjoy success in the 2023/24 season, having lost their opening three games of the season.
However, it has been an extremely difficult start for Kompany’s men as the schedule includes opening matches against Man City, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
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While Kompany stressed that it will take time for his team, especially the summer signings, to come together, the Belgian also admits that this also applies to himself in his first season as top manager.
“Whenever you are exposed to the highest level, you always grow and improve. This is the journey we are on, both for me as a coach and for the players,” he said.
“I saw a club and a group of players ready to step up and take the fight to everyone.
“It’s something that is very close to our hearts. Ok, we play against big teams and big clubs, but when the game starts it’s 0-0 and we have to do our best to get the result we want.
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany reacts on the touchline during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor on September 02, 2023 in Burnley, England.
Kompany enjoyed unparalleled success in his first season at Turf Moor, leading Burnley to the league title with 101 points.
Asked about the management of the top flight compared to the second division, Kompany added: “I think there are differences.
The difference is of course in the level, in the demand, it’s the highest possible in world football.
However, when it comes to preparation, you will have more time to prepare for Premier League games.
“When you play in the league you get hit from all sides and that makes things really different from a manager’s point of view.
“The venues are the same whether you play in the Premier League or the Conference, the only thing that needs to be improved is the speed and quality of execution. It’s the best in the world.”
Burnley’s Premier League season continues after the international break when they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Monday 18 September.
The Clarets have already beaten Forest this season, but in the Carabao Cup.
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It really comes as no surprise that Vincent Kompany adds many players in the Belgian goal to strengthen Burnley’s squad.
After all, the coach knows the country very well from his time as Anderlecht coach, and the fact that he tried to recruit some from his former club also makes sense.
One of them was Kristian Arnstad, who arrived in Belgium in 2019 while the Burnley manager was a player/coach at the Jupiler Pro League club, as the player revealed to VG in his home country.
He will have witnessed the midfielder’s development and given him numerous appearances during his time there, clearly believing that the 20-year-old is a special talent.
That’s why it makes perfect sense to hear Arnstad say that Burnley tried to sign him this summer and suggests that Kompany is also keeping an eye on him for the future.
In fact, as well as making one attempt to sign him, the Clarets also made “several bids” for the player, according to VG, with the largest reportedly being around £4.5million.
Arnstad said: “They disagreed, but obviously it’s cool to be interested.”
I had [Kompany as manager] for the first two years that he was in Anderlecht.
We have a good relationship and you learn a lot when you have him.
You can tell he’s been under Pep and other managers for a long time.
“He has absorbed a lot there that he tries to teach the rest of us. He has a lot of respect among everyone around him. You just have to take in what you can.”
As for a potential move to the Premier League? “It’s a dream to play there one day.
Now, there was no agreement, so I just try to focus on where I am now.”
