‘I hope’ - Vincent Kompany urges Eddie Howe to criticise Burnley ahead of key Turf Moor meeting

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany insists that the culture around the club is to remain resilient and focus on themselves as they prepare to play host to European contenders Newcastle United.

The Clarets have spent almost the entirety of the season in the bottom three since winning promotion from the Championship, but have shown renewed signs of optimism in recent weeks - losing just one of their last eight league matches, whilst avoiding defeat in challenging away matches against both Chelsea and Manchester United.

Burnley have the joint worst home record of any team in the top-flight this season, but come against a Newcastle side who have travelled poorly this term - winning just four of their 16 games.

Kompany claims he needs to see ‘more of the same’ aspects in their game that they have started to show in recent weeks and is determined to pick up all nine of the points available.

The ex-Man City captain was quizzed on whether he is frustrated that the results have come too late in the season. But remained optimistic that he can steer the club to safety. 

He said: “I keep frustrations out of this place. I don't’ live with that but it does feel like we will be happy for the league to continue but that is not the case. It is still a mission with the hope and belief that we can win a game in the toughest league in the world.”

When asked about how he inspires his team in difficult situations, he urged Newcastle boss Eddie Howe to criticise his old team rather than praising them, claiming that it will help motivate the group.

He explained: “The easiest one is if managers talk bad about my team, I hope Eddie (Howe) criticises my team rather than praising them - that will get them going. Anything should fuel your motivation.”

Kompany went on to praise Howe for his achievements and described him as someone whose record commands respect. 

The Belgian added: “He has been in this position for many years. What he achieved with Bournemouth will always command the respect of his peers. When you take a job like Newcastle, he has done something by taking them to play in the Champions League. A good coach, very talented and he has shown more with a better team.”

Newcastle recorded a 2-0 victory over Burnley earlier in the season and Kompany is once again anticipating a difficult test.

Describing the Magpies, he explained: “They don’t have a lot of weakness and they have a lot of strength (But) anything is possible at Turf Moor. We played them before we started the Championship and they beat us 7-0. In that first pre-season, I already felt we were not ready to play these teams. Newcastle was our first view of what a Premier League team looks (like) for us.”