After an easy 3-0 win over Bristol City in the FA Cup, Manchester City vs Burnley will be the fixture in the next round. That means that Pep Guardiola meets an old acquaintance with Vincent Kompany, Burnley’s trainer.
Burnley is having an excellent season and is currently twelve points ahead of number two Sheffield United and nineteen points ahead of third place, with one game more. The first two teams are promoted to the Premier League and according to Guardiola, Burnley owes that success not least to the trainer.
At the press conference prior to Saturday’s game with Newcastle United, Guardiola expressed his appreciation for Kompany. He remarked, “They are close to promotion to the Premier League and I am very happy for him personally.” Kompany was under contract with Manchester City from 2008 to 2019 and played more than three hundred and fifty matches.
“I think all of us as fans are happy that he’s back here for a while.” Guardiola foresees a rosy coaching future for the Belgian, whom he had under his wing as a player for three years. “He will be manager here sooner or later. I don’t know exactly when, but I feel it. He knows this club, it’s written in the stars.”
Jack Grealish highlights the importance of Nathan Aké
Sticking with the Citizens, Nathan Aké enjoys a lot of respect within the Manchester City selection. Jack Grealish has emphasized in an interview how important the Orange international is for the game of the title candidate.
Grealish has secured a starting place on the left flank and often plays there this season together with Aké, who had already made 29 appearances for his club before the home game against Newcastle United this season. It is easy to play together with the 28-year-old Dutchman, says Grealish. The 27-year-old Englishman speaks highly of Aké, his playing and his character.
“He’s a great lad, one of the nicest guys I’ve met in football,” the England international told ViaPlay. “There’s really no harm in him, he’s so nice. I get on well with Nathan both on and off the lines. He’s so strong defensively and he’s really doing great this season. He is one of our best players this season. Many City supporters will see it that way too.”
Because of his reliability, Aké has risen considerably in the pecking order. Both with and without the ball, the defender makes few mistakes. That makes him a valued force for Pep Guardiola, who has often praised Aké for his passing and understanding of the game. Grealish fully agrees: “He often manages to find me and that’s what you want as a winger. You want a back that is easy to find and that gives you a sense of security defensively.”
