Pep Guardiola ‘sure’ Vincent Kompany’s ‘destiny’ is to manage Man City ‘sooner or later’
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola sees potential in Burnley boss Vincent Kompany to take charge of the Premier League champions in the future.
Kompany is doing an outstanding job with the Clarets having taken on the job last summer.
The Championship is a relentless league, yet the former City captain’s side are top by 12 points with promotion looking inevitable.
19 points separate Burnley and third-place Middlesbrough, meaning it would take a huge capitulation to bottle promotion with only 12 games remaining.
The Lancashire outfit were drawn again the Citizens in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in a huge tie for Kompany.
Guardiola was asked about the Belgian during his pre-match press conference for Saturday’s clash against Newcastle United and was high in praise.
“I am impressed with the consistency, the Championship is difficult for the amount of games,” he said. “The consistency so far, it is unbelievable.
“They are close to promotion again to the Premier League next season and I am delighted for him personally for his success at Burnley. I think all of us as fans will be happy for him to be back.”
Guardiola believes Kompany could one day succeed him as City manager.
He said: “I said that sooner or later he will be manager here. When, I don’t know. It’s my feeling.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola refused to discuss comments from Erling Haaland’s agent referring to Real Madrid as a “dream” destination for players.
The remarks from Rafaela Pimenta at this week’s FT Business of Football Summit were not specifically about Haaland but have nevertheless fuelled speculation linking the Manchester City striker with the Spanish giants.
“I don’t answer to agents. No comment,” Guardiola said.
The former Barcelona boss also refused to comment on Javier Tebas’ comments about the Premier League’s investigation of City.
The La Liga president said on Thursday: “This is linked to the reputation and credibility of the Premier League.
“Things like this have a big impact on sponsors, because reputation is paramount.
“I was at Soccer Ex in Manchester in 2017. When we had that event, I criticised PSG and Man City. I said City should be sanctioned by UEFA.”
Ahead of Saturday’s clash against Newcastle, Guardiola praised the job Eddie Howe is doing at St James’ Park.
He said: “Incredible it happened last season and this season they are taking a step forward.
“What I have seen lately what they have done all season. It is one of the toughest we have. The threats, transitions, set pieces. Best team.”
Guardiola also insisted that Manchester United winning the Carabao Cup has not inspired his side to win silverware this season.
On the fitness of John Stones and Aymeric Laporte, the Spaniard said: “They all trained the last few days, they feel better”.
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