Pep Guardiola and Vincent Kompany will talk contracts at the end of the season after the defender edged Manchester City closer to the title. Guardiola hailed Kompany as one of Manchester City’s all-time greats after his match-winning strike in the 1-0 win against Leicester but stopped short of guaranteeing him a new deal.
Kompany’s 30-yard stunner in the 70th minute settled a tense night at the Etihad, and ensured the Premier League title race will go to the wire. City now know a win against Brighton on Sunday will ensure they retain their crown. Their 33-year-old captain seems made for moments like this. It was his goal in a Manchester derby seven years ago which set City on their way to a first title in 44 years.
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His last three goals for the club have come in last season’s Carabao Cup final, a Manchester derby, and now this must-win game against the Foxes. “This club has over a century of history and not a lot in the trophy cabinet but there are players who help us to be who we are today – Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany,” Guardiola said.
“When he is fit he is an incredible centre-back. Not just for the goal. He is our leader many times.” But Kompany’s contract is up in the summer, and though Guardiola has spoken many times about handing the injury-plagued Belgian a new deal, nothing has been signed, with Kompany emotional as he led City’s lap of honour alone.
“We spoke with him (Kompany) and his agent,” Guardiola added. “At the end of the season we are going to talk to him. “He is an incredible person and human being and he has helped me a lot. Always I was sad I could not use him a lot but this club is what it is because of players like Vincent.
At the end of the season, after the FA Cup, we will see.” Pushed, Guardiola would not offer any guarantees. “We’ll finish the season and after we are going to talk,” he said. “We are going to take a beer together and decide what is best, especially for the club.”
