Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he has not been surprised by Vincent Kompany’s move into management, as the Gunners meet Burnley in the Premier League.
Arteta coached Kompany during his time on the coaching staff at Manchester City and will now face his former player as Arsenal host Burnley at the Emirates this weekend.
Kompany guided Burnley to promotion to the Premier League during his debut campaign with the Clarets last season, claiming the Championship title with 101 points.
Despite a difficult start to the club’s top-flight return, Kompany has won plaudits for his work at Turf Moor and Arteta admits he has not been surprised by the 37-year-old’s success.
“I’m not surprised at all. I think he was already a coach when he played,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
“He was a leader. He was someone very intelligent who could navigate different scenarios very well, the dressing rooms and above.
“He understood the game, spoke several languages and you could tell straight away that he was going to be a top coach. Obviously he’s had a very strong career already, especially with the way he’s done it.
“In this Premier League we all have difficulty, we all have good moments. I’m really happy to see him doing what he’s doing.”
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