After a difficult start to the season, Vincent Kompany discusses Burnley’s approach before the international break.
Vincent Kompany believes the international break will provide his Burnley team with a crucial opportunity for a “mental break” after a difficult start to the season.
The Clarets are bottom of the Premier League after losing all three of their initial league games and allowing 11 goals.
Burnley’s third and final defeat came on Saturday, when they blew an early lead to be defeated 5-2 by Tottenham.
By the time Kompany’s players return to action later this month against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, sixteen days will have passed.
Before then, 15 players will jet off on international duty, but those that stay behind will get the opportunity to rest and put their feet up.
Outlining Burnley’s plans for the fortnight without a game, Kompany says the break will allow some of his players a “physical top-up”.
He said: “We have a lot of internationals now!
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Burnley Manager Vincent Kompany looks on before the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Aston Villa at Turf Moor on August 27, 2023 in Burnley, England. (Photo courtesy of Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
“It’s funny because my first year, during the first international break around this time, we had about 20 to 25 players staying back, which was unusual for me.” Throughout my career, I’ve always been part of squads with five players training with the Under-21s during the international break.
“I believe we’re approaching that point now, because nearly everyone is on their way somewhere.”
“Of course, some of the senior players will stay, so the international break is a chance for us to give them a mental break or a physical top-up, and we can individualize it a little bit, which is good for us.”
