Vincent Kompany has no regrets over starting for Belgium in Euro Qualifier against Israel
Monday 26 October 2015 23:30, UK
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has no regrets about going against Manuel Pellegrini’s wishes and playing for Belgium in their European Qualifier against Israel earlier this month.
Kompany was named on the bench for City's two games immediately after the international break, but returned to the starting line-up for Sunday's 0-0 draw against Manchester United.
Pellegrini was unhappy with Belgium coach Marc Wilmots for starting the player so soon after his recovery from a calf injury, but Kompany remains happy with the decision to play.
"I would not have played if I was not fit. But I'm a professional and I don't need too much explanation. I just deal with it. I dealt with my decision and I didn't have a problem with it."
"For now, in the past and the future, it's always going to be a little bit of a tricky situation," Kompany said.
"[City and Belgium] are two very important teams that have different goals and ambitions and it's just normal that stuff like this happens.
"I would not have played if I was not fit. But I'm a professional and I don't need too much explanation. I just deal with it. I dealt with my decision and I didn't have a problem with it."
Pellegrini has insisted he was not punishing Kompany by leaving him out of the team for the games against Bournemouth and Sevilla.
While Kompany once again reiterated there has been no falling out with Pellegrini over the matter.
"There is no problem with me and the manager," he said. "I'm a professional. I don't need anyone giving me any explanation. It's fine. I work hard, always. I'm always positive for the team.
"It's not at 29 that I need too much explanation any more. Every single time I've had the chance to put my boots on this term I've done very well, with my national team and club.
"I'm a team player. We all want to achieve the same thing in the end. If other players do well I'm by definition also satisfied."
Kompany added he had no problem with Pellegrini's suggestion last week his captain no longer commanded a guaranteed first-team place.
"It's always been the case at City. There's been many defenders for that position since I've been there," Kompany said. "It's not just one season when there's been big signings and big players come in. It's necessary.
"Sometimes you get the best out of a team with that competition but that's true for every position, not just my position."
