Burnley manager Vincent Kompany prepares for a significant Premier League match against Arsenal, seeing it as a vital test for his team against one of the top sides in the league.
Vincent Kompany, the manager of Burnley, is gearing up for his team’s upcoming Premier League clash with Arsenal, viewing it as an opportunity for his squad to ‘measure themselves’ against one of the league’s top teams.
The Clarets are set to face Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, where Burnley have maintained an unbeaten record in their last two visits.
In his pre-match media briefing, Kompany expressed his belief in maintaining a winning mindset, regardless of the opposition.
Emphasising the importance of nurturing the desire to win, he praised his team’s dedication and hard work.
The Burnley boss also acknowledges the challenge posed by Arsenal, who are unbeaten at home this season, but he remains optimistic about securing a ‘surprise’ result.
“Our mindset doesn’t ever change. I think the desire to win has to be a habit and this dedicated group give everything they can for this Club,” said Kompany.
“Ok, they (Arsenal) have top players and are a top team but it’s a chance to measure ourselves against some of the best and hopefully get a surprise result there.”
The Burnley manager also highlighted the non-stop effort and daily hard work of his team, emphasising their commitment and belief as key factors. Beyond tactics and key moments, Kompany stressed the significance of belief in their quest to win.
“There is no lack of effort amongst this team and they work very hard every single day and give their absolute best,” he added.
“I think belief is the most important thing and other than tactics, key moments to go our way and a little bit of luck, we have to believe to win.”
Saturday’s match will also be a reunion for Kompany with Arteta, who was part of the coaching team at Manchester City during Kompany’s time as a player there.
Reflecting on Arteta‘s journey, Kompany commended the progress the Spaniard has made since taking the helm at Arsenal.
He lauded the robust, technically gifted, and well-coached team Arteta has built, noting the evolution of the squad into one of the league’s best.
“It’s a very complete team, you can see the journey they’ve been on. It’s a robust, strong squad with great technical ability, speed and is well coached,” Kompany remarked.
He also recalled Arteta‘s initial period at Arsenal, acknowledging the successful execution of a long-term project under his guidance, blending intelligence, passion, and resilience.
“They have built a team now that is one of the best teams in the league and let’s not forget how he (Arteta) was judged at the beginning of his time there.
“There’s been a project planned there since day one and with his (Arteta’s) good mix of intelligence, passion and resilience, it’s worked out well for them.”
Kompany reminisced about Arteta‘s coaching style, highlighting his passion, drive, and significant role at Manchester City. He expressed no doubt about Arteta‘s potential to become a successful manager.
“When he was coaching he was still able to join in the training sessions at times and then he was extremely passionate, driven and dedicated to it,” Kompany said.
“He had a big role behind the scenes for the club and I don’t think anyone would have doubted that he would go on to be a good manager.”