Vincent Kompany: Success is brewing at Man City and this season has not been a waste

Alam Khan - Reporter 01:30 30/04/2017
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  • Vincent Kompany says he has not had a “wasted season” as he looks forward to leading Manchester City’s trophy charge next season.

    The Belgian skipper is hoping to end a frustrating campaign on a high by helping Pep Guardiola’s men secure a top-four Premier League finish and Champions League football.

    An impressive third successive start in the goalless draw with Manchester United – on just his 10th appearance – has left Kompany feeling he is no longer a “comeback story” after constant injury woes left his City future, as well as career, in doubt.

    And the 31-year-old, whose side are currently fourth and will finish the season trophyless, said: “No, nothing is wasted. I’ve improved. I’ve definitely learnt a lot this season, about myself, about football in general.

    “When you are with a top-class manager you just learn, you improve, and I’ve been fortunate to be part of that.

    “The manager has been brilliant with me. When I’ve been back to full fitness he has given me my chance. Our relationship is really good.

    “I’m naturally always positive. I don’t give up and I don’t see the drama in things, I know it is in my hands. The comeback story is gone now and I just enjoy playing my football and that is it. I’m one of the players, that’s all.

    “It has been challenging, but I don’t pay too much attention on me. It is one of continuity. I’m hoping we are going to achieve Champions League qualification and the good thing about football is that next season there will be four competitions to play for again and it is only a few months away now.

    “I don’t want to be depressed about the situation of where we stand at the moment. It is not enough, but there are still a lot of positives to look forward to.”

    He added: “I remain convinced we are not far off being competitive on all fronts, just looking at the performances. It is details, but we are not far off having the real deal here.

    “It’s just that everything that can go against us at the moment is going against us. But it is no excuse, of course.

    “The headlines after a 0-0 against United are about not getting the result. But just watch the game closely and there is something brewing.”

    That “something” saw City dominate United to the extent that the 20-time champions celebrated a point at the Etihad in scenes “never” witnessed previously by Kompany in a derby.

    Now he hopes their performances will be rewarded with wins, starting at relegation-threatened Middlesbrough today and taking them third.

    “It has be like a cup final in every game now, it has to be,” added Kompany. “We don’t have any margins for mistakes any more.”

    A third game in a week may prove too much for Kompany, although he does not go into matches worrying he could break down.

    “No. I understand that a lot of people think that and I have no issue with that,” he added. “But you don’t come back if you think like this, that is the truth of it. You keep going.

    “In today’s football you have a big squad and there is a purpose for that. It doesn’t really matter if you play every game consistently, it is important to perform well when you are asked to perform and I trust myself entirely to do that. Will I play every game? I’ve passed that stage now.”

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