Vincent Kompany has eulogised Pep Guardiola and discussed the Spaniard’s influence on his managerial career. Manchester City finally landed the manager of their dreams in 2016 when the former captain was approaching the twilight of his career.
Under Guardiola, Kompany doubled his Premier League title tally to four while picking up another FA Cup medal and three more Carabao Cups. The 36-year-old was managed effectively by the City boss, with injuries beginning to halt a glittering career.
Since his departure, Guardiola has continued to set the precedent in English football and claimed another top-flight title earlier this year. The fact Kompany has Burnley sitting top of the Championship playing slick, possession-based football - a far cry from their former style - is reflective of the lessons learned during the backend of his career.
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In Spain, another ex-Guardiola student, Xavi, is also in the dugout at Barcelona. Speaking to the BBC after Belgium’s 1-0 win over Canada, Kompany revealed his mindset changed as soon as the two-time Champions League winner walked through the door.
“Yeah (whether he views the game differently as a manager),” he said. “But I changed when I was a footballer, as soon as I met the guy (Guardiola). It just made so much sense.
“You play against good teams, with very good players and you start having easy games against the same players that were battering you week in, week out. Then you realise this ‘there's something to it (management).’”
Kompany also provided insight into what it is like to play for Guardiola. The 51-year-old is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail on the training field.
“His players have tasks to execute and (if they don’t do as asked), they are out,” the ex-City captain added. “He is demanding but what he says makes sense. I really want to make it clear, I'm my own person, as a manager, of course, but I still draw towards what I experienced as a player.
“He is extremely clear and everything he wants in every phase of the game - and then he finds the players who are willing to do it. There’s not one player who doesn't have a task at any given time. If you don't execute it (his plan), it doesn't matter how good you are, it’s onto the next one.”
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