Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists Vincent Kompany will prove himself at Anderlecht as a manager of worth.
The former City captain's first weeks in charge as player-manager have been disastrous. Though victory against Standard Liege on Sunday saw Anderlecht avoid their worst ever start to a season. Alexis Saelemaekers scored the only goal of the game to ease pressure on Kompany, who cannot coach on matchday due to his lack of qualifications. The situation means Kompany's No2, former City youth coach Simon Davies, is in the dugout.
But Guardiola insists, "Anderlecht must be patient.
“I think Vincent can keep calm. The people at Anderlecht know him, there is a reason why they have appointed him. Sometimes a project needs some time. If they allow Vincent that time, he'll be fine. I'm sure of it."
Guardiola drew comparisons between himself and Kompany and how he kicked off his coaching career. The Catalan adamant Kompany has all the qualities needed for success in management.
He is quoted by HLN: “I started in the fourth division (with Barcelona B) And after that I was lucky that I could take over an incredible team. That was the key. Vincent might also get a chance like that. If you keep working hard, there are possibilities. Certainly if, like him, you have the personality. He understands the game too. As a player he already understood what had to be done. The only thing... It's a little easier to do that from the sidelines."
Guardiola was referring to the doubts about Kompany remaining registered as a player. There's been great criticism thrown at the defender for continuing his playing career this season.
Guardiola, however, insists there's no great secret to success in management. It really gets down to what a coach has to work with.
He added, “What makes someone a top trainer? Ten De Bruynes or Messis!"
- updated September 2
