Irish Sunday Mirror

Kompany with a rising stock

EX-ANDERLECHT COACH: VINI WILL TURN BURNLEY AROUND . . . HE HAS THE QUALITY TO BE ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST

- EXCLUSIVE BY RYAN TAYLOR

VINCENT KOMPANY is destined for managerial greatness.

And the Belgian tactician has the quality and character required to keep struggling Burnley afloat.

That’s according to his former Anderlecht assistant Jonas De Roeck, who claims Kompany is not one to crumble in the face of adversity.

“I’m convinced Vini can be an elite manager because, first and foremost, he is an unbelievab­ly hard worker,” said De Roeck.

“Not only that but he’s always questionin­g himself and is not afraid to make changes. He is very open-minded.

“That speaks for himself and it is something that makes him a great manager.

“He is always looking for solutions and configurin­g how the team can improve and progress.

“When you combine that with his character and aura,

I am convinced that he’s going to succeed in the Premier League.”

Burnley are currently rooted to the foot of the table, having won just one of their opening 12 matches.

The jittery Clarets, who stormed their way to promotion last season, have so far struggled to transform performanc­es into results since sealing their top-flight return.

They have claimed just 0.33 points per game this term, which is down from 2.19 when they were firing on all cylinders en route to the Championsh­ip title.

However, current Westerlo boss De Roeck is convinced the recent turbulence at Turf Moor will only make Kompany a better manager.

He added: “I’m 100 per cent convinced he will keep on making steps as a coach.

“It’s just a matter of time before he’s one of the biggest names in management in all of world football. It’s a smart move from him to be with Burnley in the most difficult league in the world.

“Learning in a job like this where there are constant challenges is only going to improve his abilities.”

Kompany has totally overhauled Burnley’s style of play since his arrival and that should buy him extra time as his new-look side adapt to the demands of the Premier League. During their last topflight campaign in 2021/22 when Sean Dyche was largely at the helm, Burnley averaged just 39.1 per cent possession.

That was up to 64.6 per cent last season under Kompany, while Burnley also made 744 10+ passing sequences compared to 112 the previous year.

De Roeck is under no illusions that working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has left a lasting imprint on his compatriot.

“He is someone that has a clear way of thinking about football,” De Roeck added.

“Of course, a huge part of his career was at Manchester City.

“He loves his teams to pass and build attacks, but that doesn’t mean he only wants to play that style of football.

“Vini is so clever and he knows how to make changes when they’re required.

“I believe that’s what we’re now seeing with Burnley and they will eventually get the results they deserve.”

‘I’m convinced he’s going to succeed in the Premier League’

 ?? ?? KEEP THE FAITH Burnley boss Kompany will only improve, says De Roeck (right)
KEEP THE FAITH Burnley boss Kompany will only improve, says De Roeck (right)

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