Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has responded to reports of club captain Vincent Kompany moving away from the Etihad Stadium and has said that he is a huge part of his plans at City and has a big future ahead at the club.
When asked if there had been an odd possibility of him making the switch away from the Etihad, Guardiola in a news conference ahead of City’s clash with West Brom insisted Vincent Kompany is key to his plans at City, with the Belgian's current contract running out only in 2019.
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"He has a contract. So of course," said Guardiola about the 30-year old’s future at the club, "He was injured many times. We're trying to give him faith to play."
Kompany has lifted the Premier League trophy twice with City in 2012 and 2014, but a string of injuries to his calf and shin has kept the Belgian out of action and left him without consistent playing time.
The Belgian is the most experienced defender for City and has regained fitness in recent weeks, with Guardiola easing his captain back to the Manchester City starting eleven.
Kompany played 45 minutes of the derby against United in midweek and Guardiola will use the services of the player very carefully as he is wary of Kompany’s persistent issues with injury. Post the game, Guardiola claimed the player was tired and hence resorted to the change.
Guardiola still learning, improving
Guardiola, speaking ahead of City’s clash with West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday said that City’s current form may make them stronger. His team haven’t registered a victory in 6 games in all competition.
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"Many things have changed in the last six games," he said. "In the beginning we were winning and now we're not. But, we are fighting, like we were in the beginning. I need time to learn, improve...I am still in that process.
"Maybe this situation will make us stronger for the future. I'm pretty sure of that. For the next period, not just this season but the next season as well. Maybe we will learn from that and be stronger.”
Guardiola will be looking to end his worst run as a manager as his City side take on West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
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