GREAT KOMPANY
Belgian boss has Burnley buzzing again with young, hungry players, sky-high standards... and his regal aura of quiet calm
VINCENT KOMPANY is probably unaware that his exploits with Burnley have the royal seal of approval.
It is unlikely King Charles is staying awake worrying about the Turf Moor promotion push, but one thing which is evident is that claret runs through the regal family.
While his son Prince William is a fully committed Aston Villa fan, it has been revealed that the new king has an affinity to Burnley.
Former Clarets boss Brian Laws was present when the then Prince of Wales called in at Turf Moor on a business trip and, when asked whether he supported a British football team, he replied: “Yes, Burnley.”
So no pressure there for Vinny, in his first managerial job in this country after making a big impression in charge of Anderlecht in the former Manchester City star’s native Belgium.
But in any case Kompany does not do pressure. A calm and assured manner has impressed all at Burnley since he entered the building in the summer in the aftermath of Sean Dyche’s decade in charge.
The only noise came from the hectic comings and goings, with 16 new players coming in through the door as Kompany, along with his sidekick, former Liverpool and Wales striker Craig Bellamy, attempted to banish the relegation blues at Turf Moor.
Victories – like yesterday’s second-half fightback from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at Sunderland – have won over sceptics who talked of Kompany’s inexperience in the cut-throat Championship.
He has lowered the average age of the squad, going down the same route as when he took charge of
Anderlecht – placing the emphasis on young, hungry players.
“None of them experienced the fallout from Burnley’s relegation,” Kompany explained.
“It’s a team that is going to grow.
I think the recruitment has been excellent.”
The hub of the squad has been gleaned from Manchester City, with the likes of impressive 20-year-old central defender
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and players from the Belgian First
Division he knows so well, like
Anass Zaroury and Vitinho.
There is experience in striker
Jay Rodriguez and midfielder
Jack Cork, both buying into the
Kompany policy.
Rodriguez said: “Everyone is full of confidence. There is a willingness to work and learn.
“It’s a really healthy dressing room and it’s good to be part of.”
Kompany has been hands-on over the recruitment business, even to the extent of some personal detective work on the background of transfer targets – their lifestyle, families etc.
A Burnley source revealed: “He has impressed players, staff, everyone with his work ethic, his demanding of high standards. He is always examining all different areas on how to improve.
“But he goes about it in a calm manner. There are no histrionics.
“Everyone knows about the demands, and if they deliver it is rewarding.
“He has also carried on the good manners and spirit that was in evidence around the training ground under Sean Dyche.”
Chairman Alan Pace is delighted with the impact Kompany has made so far.
“What we have achieved with a new manager and a new
squad is fantastic,” he stated.
Hopefully that has been duly noted in Buckingham Palace.