KOMPANY: WE CAN BE INCREDIBLE
VINCENT KOMPANY has revealed he rejected bigger clubs to become Burnley’s new manager because they can have “an incredible future”.
Kompany (above) was considered by Borussia Moenchengladbach and says Burnley was the best option when he compared all his offers.
The Manchester City legend has quit Anderlecht after three years to take over at Turf Moor and is excited by their potential, despite being relegated to the Championship last month.
Kompany said: “I see only potential and that’s exciting for me.
“It’s true I had other offers and when I laid down all the offers on the table, some were perhaps more appealing in terms of name and what they would represent to the wider public.
“But I had a chance to look into everything that Burnley was in great depth and what they wanted to achieve.
“I’m not saying it will be easy, but I saw a path that will be different to other places. I see a plan, I see good people. I want to work with people who are already in Burnley.
“Together, without necessarily having to change everything, you can see the core of everything you appreciate about the club – the culture, just how honest people can be, how warm and friendly they are.
“I’ve chosen this project because I know that after a difficult start will come an incredible future.”
Kompany, 36, arrives at a club in transition and defensive stalwarts Ben Mee and James Tarkowski have left, while Dutch striker Wout Weghorst (above) wants to quit.
He must rebuild Burnley on a budget because the club’s US owners, ALK Capital, must repay a significant portion of a £65million loan taken out when they bought the Clarets in December 2020.
Kompany believes he can utilise his contacts at the Etihad and wants to sign centre-half Taylor Harwood-Bellis again.
City’s England Under-21 captain spent the first half of last season with him on loan at Anderlecht.
Former Burnley defender Stephen Ward claims Kompany’s name will attract players – but warned: “Everyone knows how tough it is when you get relegated.
“It’a a big job but someone of his stature is going to attract players.”