Pep Guardiola cautious of Vincent Kompany’s ‘tough’ Burnley forward of FA Cup conflict

Old friendships shall be briefly forgotten on the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, as supervisor Pep Guardiola urged Manchester City to be cautious of ex-player Vincent Kompany’s Burnley when the groups meet in an FA Cup quarter-final.

Former City captain Kompany performed below Guardiola from 2016-19 earlier than leaving to affix Anderlecht as player-manager.

He took over Burnley in 2022 and has led them to the highest of the second-tier Championship standings on 83 factors from 33 matches, a place from which they give the impression of being poised to earn promotion again to the Premier League a yr after being relegated.

Earlier this month, Guardiola heaped reward on Burnley and stated that Kompany was destined to at some point succeed him as City supervisor.

On Friday, nonetheless, Guardiola sounded a cautious tone, telling reporters: “I said before that it’s nice he’ll be back, but these last two or three days, I’ve only been thinking about what they’ve done this season.”

“I’m not surprised at all with the position they have in the Championship,” the Spaniard added.

“They’re so near being a Premier League staff. They’ll be a tricky providing as they do unbelievable issues on the pitch. They have a superb staff and the best way they play is outstanding.

“I’m more than convinced he’s going to come back to (Manchester City). Everybody knows he is an important, incredible figure here. He is one of the biggest legends I have had.”

City will discover out their opponents within the quarter-finals of the Champions League when the draw takes place in a while Friday.

Guardiola stated that he and his aspect would focus all their consideration on Burnley as soon as they have been conscious of who awaits them in Europe.

“I have not spoken to the players after the game against RB Leipzig (on Tuesday). We had a day off, then training,” Guardiola stated.

“We will start to talk about Burnley after the draw, because it’s one step away from being at Wembley again. Burnley deserves for us to pay attention to them, be careful.”