KOMPANY LOOKS AHEAD TO CITY CLASH

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Burnley boss previews FA Cup visit to Etihad

2023-03-17T14:30:00.000Z

KOMPANY LOOKS AHEAD TO CITY CLASH

Burnley boss previews FA Cup visit to Etihad

2023-03-17T14:30:00.000Z

Burnley boss previews FA Cup visit to Etihad

Manager Vincent Kompany admits the Emirates FA Cup means more to him than any other domestic competition as his side prepare for a quarter-final tie with Manchester City on Saturday.

The Clarets chief lifted the trophy twice as a player and it was the first trophy the former City skipper won at the Etihad back in 2011.

Kompany insists although the hard work, principles and preparation won't change heading into the last eight meeting, it's a tough fixture that the Burnley boss believes is an 'occasion' his men can look forward to

Speaking to the media on Friday, Kompany said: "It's an FA Cup quarter-final, I think it's over 20 years since the Club last got to one. So, we know it's special to be here and to have got this far.

"I know what it means, the FA Cup was my first trophy in English football, I remember the first time we won it, we celebrated it like we had won the league.

"It was some crazy scenes and this trophy has always meant more than any other domestic cup competition in the world."

"It's a nice achievement for us as a club to get to the quarter-finals and to be in a big game like this and against a top team, it will be a good challenge for us.

"But I definitely think we are at the stage now this season where we will enjoy this one a little bit more, not because of the team we are facing, but because of what we have done in the league."

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Kompany added: "It's an occasion but the hard work will be there as usual for us and that won't change but we know how much of a tough fixture it will be and the quality that they have.

"All things considered, we don't have to put too much pressure on ourselves but we have the desire to get something out of the game. Sometimes in these games, the result is one thing, and we all want to win, but plenty of teams have gone to the Etihad and tried to win."

Saturday will be the first time Kompany returns to the Etihad since leaving the club in 2019 after making 360 appearances and scoring 20 goals for the Citizens over 10 years.

The former City defender admits he has mixed feeling ahead of his return but knows the emotion and occasion won't take over any preparation of the game and will approach it in the same away as every game.

"It's mixed feelings for me because the last time I was there was the famous Leicester game at home. I am coming as the opponent and I think everyone here is looking forward to going to the Etihad tomorrow.

"It is an event for the club and for the club to enjoy their day, hopefully. It's the first time for me so it is different but my mindset is to do my job and be prepared.

"Nothing will change in preparation for it and we won't approach the game any different as to any other match.

"We are looking forward to it and are all well aware it will be tough, we just have to work hard and that's the message."