Vincent Kompany’s Burnley Evolution
INTRODUCTION
Most of us are familiar with Vincent Kompany and his legendary career with Man City — his leadership as a captain, his accomplishments for the team, personal achievements and success with the Belgium national team. As a player-coach and later manager for RSC Anderlect, Kompany made an excellent name for himself in Belgium as a young modern coach.
Following Sean Dyche’s long spell with Burnley and the club’s relegation from the premier league last season, many pundits doubted that Vincent Kompany would be able to weather the storms of a relegated club in England. He would have to know about the competition and motivate a disappointed group of players in Lancashire. Financially the club were in a bad state with many players out of contract and core players, including the likes of Nick Pope, Maxwel Cornet and Nathan Collins, departing from the team.
MANAGEMENT STYLE
Under Sean Dyche, Burnley played with the kind of football reminiscent to lower league football. Long balls into the box and aggression at set-pieces. As a player, Vincent played with aggression and was renown for his toughness. At Anderlecht and Burnley, we have seen these qualities transcend into the tactical play and mentality of the players under him. Unlike Sean Dyche, Vincent Kompany encourages fluidity, position-less play, relentless pressing and a more technical style of football. The new Burnley are exciting to watch. This is the kind of football inspired by one of his great mentors — Pep Guardiola. His experience in playing in England and his ability to speak multiple languages has certainly helped Kompany. He understands his players, communicates effectively with them and can aid new arrivals settle in fairly quickly. This has helped to promotes unity within the club.
TRANSFERS
Over the course of the summer, Kompany spent money wisely by focusing on hungry unfamiliar European talents with a long term view in mind. It’s obvious that Vincent’s reputation in Belgium and Europe was a strong pull to attract players motivated to play for him, with the hope of playing in the Premier League one day. For this reason, Burnley brought in players that were young, affordable and able to make an early impact. Notable players that have fit well into this bracket and Kompany’s system are Nathan Tella, a pacey winger that has enjoyed scoring a host of goals. Despite unsuccessful attempts to secure Michael Obafemi from Swansea, the addition of Benson and Morroco’s Anass Zahoury from Belgium has added creativity and skill to the attacking channels. Jordan Beyer from Borussia Mochengladbach has been a force at the back for Burnley and has strongly improved the team’s defensive record over the course of the season.
Most of the added players are motivated to play for Vincent Kompany. Long-term view in mind in terms of promotion and avoiding contract problems over the summer. Players that make an impact now but also grow and improve while fitting the club’s age profile and price bracket.
The evolution of Kompany’s Burnley has been exciting to watch. As it stands, Burnley are favourites to win the Championship and return to the Premier League next season. It’s never unwise to lend responsibility to someone that is intelligent, accomplished yet motivated, and can relate with the team under their care.