‘Written in the stars’ – Pep Guardiola says Vincent Kompany is ‘destined’ to be Man City manager

Pep Guardiola has said Vincent Kompany is ‘destined’ to one day be Manchester City manager.

The Belgian is set to return to the Etihad for the first time as the manager with City paired against the Clarets in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, a game that will be played over the weekend of 18/19 March.

And speaking following the draw, Guardiola said he has been hugely impressed with Kompany’s success at Burnley, with the Clarets currently 18 points clear at the top of the Championship, and said he thinks Kompany could one day take over as City boss.

“I am impressed with the consistency – the Championship is difficult with the number of the games. They are close to promotion and personally I am delighted with his success. I think all of us, the fans, are happy he will be back.

“His destiny to be the Manchester City [manager] is written in the stars. It will happen, I don’t know when. It’s an FA Cup quarter-final and a big chance to get to Wembley.”

Meanwhile, speaking on Thursday, Kompany admitted he still ‘kicks every ball’ when City play but feels ‘calm’ about the prospect of playing his former side.

“The kids will have a tough decision to make on the day, but it’s also one where you’re looking forward to it. I’ve got a few games now that are more important, which is every Championship game in-between, but in the end it’ll be a special day.

“It’s an experience for the players and I think they’ve earned the right to look forward to such a game. It’s definitely good for them, but from my side I’m really calm about it.

“I wish them well, I still kick every ball with them whenever I watch them. I represent Burnley, and I’m extremely proud to be at Burnley, but I know the players on a personal level still.”