Vincent Kompany warns Manchester City's rivals Liverpool that this year will be harder

City captain says Champions League involvement will prove tough

Tom Sheen
Wednesday 20 August 2014 11:41 EDT
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Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says Liverpool will not find this season so easy
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says Liverpool will not find this season so easy (Getty Images)

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Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has warned Liverpool that they will not find a Premier League title challenge as easy as they did last year.

Liverpool eventually came second last year, losing out to City by just two points after a crucial defeat at home to Chelsea and a draw at Crystal Palace in the weeks of the season.

Despite the disappointment, it marked a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10 - but Kompany has warned Brendan Rodgers and his men that involvement in Europe will make it tougher for them to compete at home.

"When the Champions League comes in, the Premier League will be a different competition all over for Liverpool," Kompany said.

"It's tricky for all the clubs that are involved in the Champions League because it will get more demanding as the weeks go on."

It is an early shot in the mind games between the two clubs who meet on Monday night. Both clubs started their Premier League seasons with wins but while City were ,mostly in control against an improved Newcastle team, Liverpool needed a late Daniel Sturridge goal to beat Southampton.

Kompany added: "It's the first time for me that this home fixture comes so early in the season.

"But if we can perform like we did at Newcastle, we will be hoping to get the three points at home. Newcastle was important for us because it takes a lot of pressure away from the Liverpool game."

As well as adding six new players to their squad, City tied up a number of their squad to long-term deals; Kompany was one of those, signing a new five-year contract to stay in sky blue.

Liverpool were just two points away from winning the title last season
Liverpool were just two points away from winning the title last season (PA)

"It's one thing to make new signings but it's another to make sure we have a core of players who know the league and have enjoyed success in the league," Kompany added.

"Then we can move forward with a certain style and philosophy that has been successful for us.

"For me it's important to see quality, new players coming but it is as important to see players like [David] Silva, [Aleksandar] Kolarov and [Samir] Nasri remaining at the club."

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