You go into the game looking for opportunities

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Burnley travel to Newcastle tomorrow where we will come up against our former manager Eddie Howe who was in charge at Turf Moor from January 2011 until October 2012, either side of two stints at Bournemouth.

Being in the Champions League, Newcastle have played three games in the last week and a half in three different competitions and Howe said: “It’s totally different to last year where we were able to go week to week and train intensely and really prepare thoroughly for each game. Now we are still trying to prepare thoroughly but in a much more condensed time which is a challenge, and the challenge for the players is to recover physically and mentally for each game.”

Embed from Getty ImagesThey had a difficult set of results before the first international break but that’s changed since. He explained that: “The starting point was our defensive resilience,” he said. “I think that’s been at the forefront of our results in recent weeks. We’ve looked solid again. We’ve had that solidity right through the middle of the pitch whoever’s played. I think we’ve been consistent in our work.”

Speaking about the Clarets, he said: “They are doing it very differently. There’s no right and wrong of course, you can do it in loads of different ways. They will always stick to their current model of playing.

“I’ve got to say it was hugely impressive last year, what they did, the goals they scored, the games they won and the style that they did it in was great to watch. We played Burnley last pre-season and we had two really good games with two different elevens. It was a really good game and I got the chance to speak to Vincent after the game and his staff. What they did following that game was a credit to them.

“It’s great to see Burnley doing well, it’s great to see them back in the Premier League. It will be very different to the previous Burnley teams who were very effective in a different way. They are going to want the ball and we are going to want the ball so it’s going to be a big challenge for us but one hopefully we can rise to.”

Embed from Getty ImagesVincent Kompany was in no doubt that we were facing a tough game at St. James’ Park. Speaking at yesterday’s press conference, he admitted: “Newcastle is a big test if I’m honest. I’d always put it on the calendar as a big test. It’s difficult to predict because of the threats and the weapons they have, but there is something there for us in terms of having a good performance and hopefully a result as well.

“There are not many away grounds that are harder than that ground. I’m really interested in seeing where the team is against that level away from home. It’s something I’m looking forward to. If you play well at St. James’ Park, it’s not just about playing well, we want the result like every other game. It’s not arrogant to say that, why else are you in the Premier League?

“But a performance at St. James’ Park should give you the feeling that you can perform everywhere in this league. That’s what you’re in the game for. For every tough opponent, every team of that calibre, there is a small opportunity to do something special and that you’ll be remembered for.”

Kompany is so aware of how good they can be. “There is a list of areas where they are strong,” he said. “They’ve built the squad very well. The manager gets them to play in a way that makes them vulnerable to very few things, but there is no point turning up there if you don’t have an idea of what you want to do to give yourselves a chance.

“Stepping into the Premier League, we knew we wouldn’t always be the favourites. In the Premier League it’s not something I’ve experienced yet and it’s certainly not the case for this game. I see so many opportunities. It’s a moment you can take and that’s something exciting for me. You go into the game looking for opportunities and not the consequences of the fact that they’re a very, very strong team.”

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