The former Belgian defender returns to the Etihad Stadium for the first time as a manager when we face Championship-topping Burnley in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
Kompany took over in the summer following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League and the Clarets are on course for a quick return with his side 13 points clear at the top.
Following the draw, Guardiola predicted that Kompany could one day take charge at the Etihad and clarified that it was not just because of his links to City.
FA CUP PREVIEW | CITY V BURNLEY
“You realise when you see [Burnley] there is work behind it and a good knowledge,” the City boss said ahead of the sixth-round tie.
“What I said about Vinny sooner or later coming here is not because he was an important figure as a football player, although that helps, or his connection with the fans and knowing the Club
“It’s his understanding of the game and he has an incredible work ethic.
“He puts pressure on every department to be the best. When you combine your knowledge about the game, experience with the club you love, the end will be you finish together.”
Kompany spent 11 years at City, captaining the Club to four Premier League titles, four League Cups and two FA Cups, with his last three years spent under Guardiola’s management.
And the City boss is not surprised by his impact since stepping into a managerial role, hailing his leadership qualities during their time together at City.
“When I had a problem he was always there, he understood perfectly the role of a captain,” Guardiola added.
“Unfortunately he was injured quite often but always he would recover and after one week and he didn’t feel the pressure and he was ready to play.
“He was already a legend but imagine his consistency if he was not injured in the last period? He would have been even more important.”
Guardiola has been hugely impressed by Burnley’s quality this season and has warned that they will prove a big obstacle in trying to secure a semi-final place at Wembley.
“We have to talk about them as a Premier League team, and it’s the FA Cup and anything can happen,” the City boss said.
“We have to be careful. This amount of good results week in week out, it’s because you are something. This cannot happen if you are not solid.
“The result is winning, winning, winning. That’s a lot of work on the pitch and behind the scenes.”
Watch the second part of Pep’s press conference in the video above...
