Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has revealed that he doesn’t let criticism affect his game in a negative way and is experienced enough to know how to use it in his favor.
Speaking ahead of Belgium’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Cyprus, Kompany said that the whole team has struggled this year, “It’s nothing. I’m not the only player in this City side who is going through it.
“It does not bother me. I laugh about it, because it is predictable.
“If we win the next ten games, I’m suddenly the fastest and best defender in the world again. It’s that simple. I’ve been playing long enough to understand that.”
“If we do not lose teams like Middlesbrough and Burnley, there is no problem. Win those games, and we are all heroes. Lose and there will be criticism. It’s that simple.
“If we don’t win trophies, you shouldn’t expect to see happy faces. We failed as a team.
“Losing against Barcelona was nothing to be ashamed about. They were stronger than last season. We have to work to get to that level some day. That is our goal.”
City were close to nullifying the gap at the top in December but had an awful January defensive wise as they failed to keep a clean sheet for six games. In that period, they conceded as many as eight goals in six games against lowly oppositions like Burnley, Sunderland, and Hull City. The run ended and they have managed to keep three clean sheets in their last three home games, but have conceded goals away from home and in the process, have ended up losing their last two away games.
Now, Manchester City find themselves six points behind league leaders Chelsea who also have a game in hand. Manuel Pellegrini’s men were knocked out of the League Cup and FA Cup by Newcastle United and Middlesbrough respectively; games that they should have won. In addition, their underachievement in the UEFA Champions League continued as they were once again knocked out by Barcelona in the round of 16. City’s chances of lifting silverware this season is looking more and more bleak with every passing game in the League. They find themselves in such a predicament thanks mainly to their defense which has been terrible compared to last season.
With the Manchester Derby on the horizon, Company and co will have to get back to their defensive best as Van Gaal’s men are closing in on that second spot as are Arsenal.