Friday 28 October 2016 16:26, UK
Pep Guardiola says Vincent Kompany can still succeed in his Manchester City side despite ongoing fitness problems.
City's captain started back-to-back games for the first time since March when he was named in the side for Wednesday night's EFL Cup tie at Manchester United.
But the defender was withdrawn at half-time after complaining of tiredness, and United went on to reach the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win.
Kompany's future has since been questioned in several English newspapers but Guardiola, speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to West Brom, said: "All professional players can play in different styles, and of course he can [play in my side.
"He has a contract, no? So of course, I don't know what the problem is.
"He didn't play as much the last two seasons and we want to keep him safe. We want him to have the same options as his team-mates. We want to take care of all the players.
"The game against Southampton he played 78 minutes and he said he can't play no more, and the last game was 45 minutes. We need to handle the situation until he can play 90 minutes.
"It was just three days after Southampton, so maybe that's why he was tired."
Guardiola said he did not yet know whether Kevin De Bruyne, Bacary Sagna or Pablo Zabaleta would be fit for the weekend when Tony Pulis, fresh from signing a new contract, will be in the opposition dugout.
"Congratulations to Tony on his new contract," Guardiola said. "West Brom use his style marvellously. I saw against Tottenham [in a 1-1 draw this month], they use the long ball and they defend low. We have to adapt."
City go into that game without a win in six - Guardiola's worst run as a boss - but remain top of the Premier League on goal difference.
"Many things have changed in the last six games," he said. "In the beginning we were winning and now we're not. But, we are fighting, like we were in the beginning. I need time to learn, improve...I am still in that process.
"Maybe this situation will make us stronger for the future. I'm pretty sure of that. For the next period, not just this season but the next season as well. Maybe we will learn from that and be stronger."
