It’s a bit weird. That’s what Vincent Kompany said when reporters reminded him that there is a statue of him in front of Manchester City’s stadium. The Belgian could walk past that statue today when he brings his Burnley side to play City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.🚨 Pep Guardiola is confident that Vincent Kompany can one day be Manchester City boss🗣️ “I’m more than convinced he’s going to come back#ManCity #Burnley #FACup pic.twitter.com/GHMppfQqjt— Gabriel (@Doozy_45) March 17, 2023 The Cityzens boss Pep Guardiola used to coach Kompany while he was still playing, but he predicted that the young tactician would eventually return to lead the sky blues from the bench. But Kompany is a humble guy. He knows he’s got a long road ahead of him.”Pep needs to stop saying that. I am a Championship manager. He should stay at Man City for another ten years, first and foremost. City is competing to win the Champions League. We are competing to win the Championship so I don’t think those kind of conversations make sense. They need to have the best manager of the world. I want to be extremely respectful to the club I manage as well. This club means everything to me. I want this club to get better. I need to develop and get better.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7108024##Kompany’s final game as Manchester City captain was the club’s 2019 FA Cup final win over Watford, which secured a domestic treble that year. He has been to City several times this season, often taking in a Sunday game with his family of Blues supporters. He met his wife Carla, already a big City fan, while playing in Manchester, and his three children have followed in her footsteps.He’s not exchanged messages with his former boss or team-mates this week, with the focus on the game rather than catching up, but he will share a glass of red post-match with Guardiola. The City chief remains a friend. The two have kept in touch since Kompany’s Etihad departure, even if the now-Burnley boss doesn’t often talk to Pep about tactics and football.The 36-year-old former Belgium defender, who left City to join Anderlecht as player-manager in 2019, has made a huge impact since taking charge of Burnley last year. The Clarets are 13 points clear at the top of the Championship and need just three wins from their final nine matches to seal a return to the Premier League.”I am extremely grateful for every moment I’ve been able to experience at Manchester City. But I have to approach this game like I approached every game at Manchester City, which is to do my job and live for that.”Pensar que este pedazo de gol de Vicent Kompany 🇧🇪 le dio una Premier League a Manchester City pic.twitter.com/RHNr397eOE— En el VAR (@EnElVar) March 17, 2023 His Burnley side has scored 74 goals in 37 league games this season, conceding just 29. They have only lost twice in the Championship – and not since 5 November. They will have their toughest task of the season today – and one that will be emotional for many City fans – and the man whose statue stands outside the Etihad Stadium.FA CUPQuarterfinalsSaturday20:45: (1.20) Man.City (6.75) Burnley (14.0)Sunday15:00: (1.70) Sheffield Utd (3.60) Blackburn (5.40)17:15: (1.15) Brighton (8.50) Grimsby (15.0)19:30: (1.50) Man.Utd. (4.30) Fulham (6.50)***odds are subject to change***
