Kompany to keep emotions in check on Man City return with Burnley

By Sports Desk March 17, 2023

Vincent Kompany plans to keep his emotions in check when he returns to Manchester City on Saturday.

The Burnley manager faces off against his former employers in an FA Cup quarter-final at Etihad Stadium.

Kompany spent 11 seasons with City, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups, and is honoured with a statue that stands outside the stadium.

While it is certain to be an emotional reunion for the Belgium great, Kompany will not let it affect his preparations.

"It's the first time [going back] so it's obviously going to be different, but in terms of my mindset it's not different," he told a press conference.

"It's just to do my job, be prepared. The core message for us is [to] be prepared.

"I don't have a feeling I need to do anything other than give the one per cent extra to the team.

"I am extremely grateful for every moment I've been able to experience at Manchester City but I have to approach this game in the same way I approached every game at Manchester City, which is to do my job and live for that."

 

Burnley face a daunting task in their trip to the Etihad, with City firmly seen as the favourites to secure victory and book a semi-final date at Wembley.

Kompany is aware of the significant challenge that his side will encounter, having looked at the City's impressive record – winning 10 consecutive FA Cup games at home, scoring 41 goals and conceding just four.

However, Burnley may find inspiration by the fact that City's last FA Cup defeat at the Etihad came to Championship opposition; Middlesbrough in January 2015.

"They're trying to win the Champions League, we're trying to win the Championship," he added.

"All things considered, we don't have to put too much pressure on ourselves, but still have the desire to get something from the game.

"Sometimes in these types of games, the result is one thing and we all want to win, but many teams come to the Etihad and try to win. I shouldn't have, but I looked at the record of Championship teams going to the Etihad and it's not great.

"We've got to get something out of this game, hopefully a result, but there is so much more for us to get out of the game. The main focus is getting the best performance and then we'll see."

Related items

  • Dundee boss Tony Docherty excited by Scott Tiffoney signing Dundee boss Tony Docherty excited by Scott Tiffoney signing

    Dundee boss Tony Docherty is “thrilled” by the recruitment of Scott Tiffoney as he gears up for the cinch Premiership next season.

    The winger has agreed to join the newly-promoted Tayside club when his contract with Partick Thistle ends at the weekend.

    Tiffoney was in the Jags side which lost to Ross County in the Premiership play-off final.

    Docherty, who took over as Dundee boss last week, told the club’s official website: “I am thrilled that Scott will be joining the club. He is a player that I have monitored and admired for a long time and is a player that will get the fans off their seats.

    “When he has the ball, he can make things happen, he can create chances for others, and he can create opportunities for himself.

    “He has a tremendous work ethic and wants to improve as a player.

    “He is committed to the club and will be moving up here and I’m really excited about having him at the club.”

    Tiffoney began his career with Greenock Morton before moving to Livingston in 2018 and then to Partick Thistle.

    He has also had loan spells at Clyde, Morton, Ayr and Partick Thistle.

  • Football rumours: Tottenham eye move for Harry Maguire in bid to keep Harry Kane Football rumours: Tottenham eye move for Harry Maguire in bid to keep Harry Kane

    What the papers say

    Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, 30, has emerged as a target for Tottenham, according to The Daily Telegraph. The London club are hoping the signing could help persuade his England colleague Harry Kane to stay at the club as big-name clubs line up for his signature.

    Maguire is one of eight players United are looking to move on this summer, reports the Daily Mirror. Striker Anthony Martial, 27, Scott McTominay, 26, fellow midfielder Fred, 30, and goalkeeper Dean Henderson, 26, are also on the list, along with defenders Eric Bailly, 29, Alex Telles, 30, and Brandon Williams, 22.

    Brighton want more than £70 million for Manchester United target Moises Caicedo, says The Daily Telegraph. Chelsea and Arsenal are also chasing the 21-year-old Ecuador midfielder.

    Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, 32, is wanted by two clubs in Saudi Arabia, according to The Guardian. Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr are keen on the France star with annual salary offers which could reach £86.2 million.

    Social media round-upPlayers to watch

    Levi Colwill: The Daily Mail reports Brighton are considering an increased bid of around £40 million for the Chelsea defender, who spent last season on loan at The Seagulls.

    Gabri Veiga: Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Barcelona in tracking the Celta Vigo midfielder, 21, who has a £34.4 million release clause, says The Guardian.

  • On this day in 2016 – Chelsea and Jose Mourinho settle Eva Carneiro claim On this day in 2016 – Chelsea and Jose Mourinho settle Eva Carneiro claim

    Chelsea and Jose Mourinho reached a settlement with former team doctor Eva Carneiro over her claims that she was constructively dismissed by the club, and victimised by its former manager, on this day in 2016.

    Carneiro had brought the claim at an employment tribunal, accusing Mourinho of victimisation and discrimination. She was due to begin giving evidence but after last-minute talks between the parties, a settlement was agreed.

    Mourinho made a surprise appearance at the hearing at the London South Employment Tribunal centre in Croydon.

    Addressing the tribunal, Daniel Stilitz QC, for Chelsea and Mourinho, said: “We are pleased to be able to tell the tribunal that the parties agreed a settlement on confidential terms.”

    The case was expected to last seven to 10 days and could have led to potentially embarrassing witness statements and documents – including texts and emails – being made public.

    It was revealed that Carneiro had refused £1.2 million to settle her claims with Mourinho and Chelsea. Details of the final deal between the parties were not released.

    Carneiro had alleged she was sexually discriminated against after she went on to the pitch to treat Eden Hazard during the opening day of the Premier League season on August 8, 2015.

    She claimed that, as she ran on to the pitch during the game with Swansea, Mourinho shouted “filha da puta” at her.

    In a statement to the tribunal, Mourinho conceded that he used the term “filho da puta”, meaning “son of a whore”, but insisted he had been using it throughout the match.

    Carneiro was removed from first-team duties at Chelsea shortly after the Swansea game and then parted company with the club the following month.

    Chelsea said in a statement: “The club regrets the circumstances which led to Dr Carneiro leaving the club and apologises unreservedly to her and her family for the distress caused.

    “We wish to place on record that in running onto the pitch Dr Carneiro was following both the rules of the game and fulfilling her responsibility to the players as a doctor, putting their safety first.

    “Dr Carneiro has always put the interests of the club’s players first. Dr Carneiro is a highly competent and professional sports doctor. She was a valued member of the club’s medical team and we wish her every success in her future career.”

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.