03 March 2023 , 14:33
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Pep Guardiola says it is Vincent Kompany's “destiny” to become manager of Manchester City.
Kompany, 36, will return to the Etihad Stadium later this month after his Burnley side were drawn against City in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The former City skipper will be back in the Premier League next season, with Burnley 12 points clear at the top of the Championship and poised for promotion.
But Guardiola is convinced his former defender will follow him at City and said: “He will be back sooner or later. I think his destiny to be the manager of Manchester City is already written in the stars. It’s going to happen. I don’t know when, but it's going to happen.
“I'm pretty sure. It is my feeling, maybe I am wrong. He has all the attributes – the work ethic, knowledge of the game, well respected, experienced.
“Doing what he has done is so difficult and he's doing really well. He knows the club, the environment, the fans and what our people need. The destiny is there.
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“I'm impressed with the consistency of Burnley. The Championship is so difficult, with the number of games. The consistency has been unbelievable.
Pep Guardiola and Vincent Kompany won Premier League titles as manager and captain in the past (Getty Images)“They are close to being promoted to the Premier League next season and personally I am delighted with his success, what they are doing in Burnley.”
Guardiola has refused to discuss comments from Erling Haaland's agent referring to Real Madrid as a "dream" destination for players.
The remarks from Rafaela Pimenta at this week's FT Business of Football Summit were not specifically about Haaland but have nevertheless fuelled speculation linking the Manchester City striker with the Spanish giants. City manager Guardiola said at a press conference: "I don't answer to agents. No comment."
Guardiola also spoke about Newcastle's rise from relegation strugglers last season to top four contenders this year, and the work Eddie Howe has done there.
"Incredible it happened last season and this season they are taking a step forward so it looks like they have came to stay," Guardiola said. "What I have seen lately what they have done all season.
"It is one of the toughest opponents we have until the end of the season for the quality they do everything brilliant. The threats, transitions, set pieces, best team in the league, many, many things that is why they are there for a long, long time this season."