A slip of the tongue from Vincent Kompany had Burnley preparing to switch their focus back to the Champions League rather than the Championship after overcoming Bournemouth to reach the FA Cup fourth round.
Even Kompany could not help joining in the laughter that followed. His accidental reference to Burnley and Europe’s biggest competition was totally at odds with the message he was trying his hardest to get across — his Clarets are not getting carried away.
‘With everything I say, I’m trying to just pull in the reins,’ the former Manchester City defender chuckled. ‘You can notice that but you keep pushing me over that line.’
Vincent Kompany is trying not to get carried away despite the success of his Burnley team
It was hard not to. Leaders Burnley are already 14 points clear of third-placed Blackburn having lost just one of their last 21 league games, winning 15.
The Clarets are 14 points clear of Blackburn in the Championship
Their cup ties against top-flight opposition have been a good barometer of Burnley’s readiness for the Premier League. They bowed out of the Carabao Cup at Manchester United last month but with their heads held high.
On Saturday, Bournemouth were outplayed to set up a fourth-round tie at League One high-fliers Ipswich.
‘It was a good test to see how players would react to stronger opposition,’ said Kompany before his unintentional mention of the Champions League, understandable given he was so used to it as a player.
‘I do relish the tests, I can’t deny that. I’m extremely ambitious, but first things first — I have to be good at my level and that’s Championship football now.’
Kompany has revamped his squad and transformed Burnley into a high-pressing, possession team who would look at home in the Premier League. That approach comes with risk, as evidenced by the concession of possession just outside their box which gifted a chance for Ryan Christie to make it 1-1.
Manuel Benson scored in each half as Burnley booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round
But it also comes with huge reward, such as the patient passing move that led to Anass Zaroury’s brilliant second goal.
On the other wing, Manuel Benson scored a brace with two ruthless finishes.
‘It’s not something you can turn on and off and say, “Play when it’s not dangerous and don’t play when it’s dangerous”,’ Kompany explained.
Anass Zaroury capitalised on poor defending to score twice before half-time
‘That in-between is the most dangerous you can have for any style. You’ve just got to do it. We have to accept it’s not going to be perfect but the net result is better for us.’
That should be seen in the Premier League next season.
But Kompany would ask us to remember, that is only if Burnley get there, not when.