Versatile Vincent, who slotted into midfield when Wayne Bridge was replaced at left-back by Gareth Barry, reports that the mood in City’s camp is a good one but there is no complacency ahead of next weekend’s game against Bolton.
“Our spirits are high at the moment,” declares the 23-year-old, “but a strength of this team is that we are a very focused group so even though we enjoyed the weekend, once we started on Monday it was over and we’re just looking forward to Bolton now. That’s our only objective.
“They are all hard games in England, but I’ve learned that if we do the right things and apply the right tactics we can win against whoever we play.”
The Belgian international was an instant hit in his first season with City after signing from SV Hamburg in August 2008, but a toe injury that needed surgery last summer and several new arrivals at the club means that Vincent has a battle on his hands for a place in the side.
Our strength has been that at any moment we have made changes and the team has not looked any weaker. I’d say that the team has looked just as strong and as capable of winning a game, and I’m just happy to be part of it.
...Vincent Kompany...
His two starts came in central defence, but Vincent does not see subsequent appearances off the bench as any kind of slight. In fact he’s happy to fight his way into contention in a side that is full of confidence after wins over Arsenal and Chelsea inside the space a few days.
“I’ve had a few chances and I feel that I have done well when the chances have come,” he continues. “But what’s most important at the moment is that the team has been doing well. Being on the bench is not a failure, the team is doing well and I had an injury for so long. After a time out of the side, once you get a taste of it the more you want to be back in there. It’s a matter of time, but there are plenty of games to come and some really important ones at that.”
With team confidence high and few injuries affecting the position he can play in, Vincent accepts that it’s hard to get into this Manchester City team right now, but it’s a challenge he is happy to take on.
“It makes it more interesting because you have to perform and get the best out of yourself. I do feel that there is a chance to get back in there, because players can get tired or injured.
“Our strength has been that at any moment we have made changes and the team has not looked any weaker. I’d say that the team has looked just as strong and as capable of winning a game, and I’m just happy to be part of it.”
