Burnley manager Vincent Kompany believes his team can prove they belong in the Premier League.
The Clarets face Crystal Palace at Turf Moor for the first time in a month on Saturday, hoping to end a run of four consecutive defeats.
Kompany’s team is in the bottom three after only four points, all of which came away from home.
“Staying up is a way for this club to grow into this league,” he explained. But this year has been by far the most difficult.
“You’ve found yourself in the middle ground now between the two divisions, where you’ve probably deservedly moved on from the Championship but there’s still a gap to say you belong in the Premier League.”
“I believe the squad is still healthy in the sense that you can go down really strong, but you can also grow into this league and become stronger in the coming years.” We’ll have to fight for every point, but I don’t think we have to be too surprised or worried about anything.”
Burnley’s schedule has not been kind to them, with four home defeats against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
Palace have only picked up one point in their last three games, and Kompany stated, “It’s huge for us.” We haven’t played at home in a while, so we’re excited to play in front of our fans.
“With the type of league it is, I don’t think there’s any game you can expect, but every game you have an opportunity, and tomorrow we have to look at it as an opportunity to show the fans something they’ve been waiting for in the Premier League.”
“I’m a big believer of home advantage so I do think it’s part of the make-up of any successful team.”
Burnley co-owner and former NFL star JJ Watt said this week on YouTube that the club needs to “step it up a little” and “show some resilience,” but Kompany insists his team is showing the right attitude.
“JJ is someone I talk to,” he explained. “There have been very few times in the Premier League when Burnley have not faced adversity.” There is a way to be in these moments, a type of togetherness that is required.
“As an elite athlete, he will recognize these moments. Seeing the character we have in the team as well, it’s a good place, we have good staff, good people, we have also a good team that’s working through it in a way that I would like to see and that gives me confidence they can level up.”
Kompany has been hampered by injury issues, and he will continue to be without Hjalmar Ekdal, Manuel Benson, and Aaron Ramsey, while Josh Cullen is suspended after receiving five yellow cards, and Lyle Foster is out due to illness.
The Clarets’ top scorer has missed the last two games, and Kompany, who has refused to reveal the nature of Foster’s problem, has stated that he will be out until after the international break.
“At the moment, there are no signs of improvement,” the Belgian said. “The only thing I can say is that he is unlikely to be available before the international break.” It is something we must deal with.”
Defender Jordan Beyer, on the other hand, could be ready after recovering from a knee injury.
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