Pep Guardiola claims he regrets not playing Vincent Kompany more at Manchester City

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he regrets being unable to play Vincent Kompany more often than he wanted when they were both at Manchester City.

The Spaniard spoke highly of his former captain’s legendary status with City but lamented his persistent injury problems before his departure from the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola spoke ahead of Burnley’s trip to Etihad to take on Man City in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

The Championship side is managed by Kompany who has got them playing some exciting football ahead of the weekend’s fixture.

“He’s [Kompany] an incredibly important figure here. He’s one of the biggest legends I had,” said Guardiola. “Personally I have one little pity – that sometimes he was sometimes injured for a lot of time when we were together but the important thing was from day one how he helped me.

“I arrived here from another country, I didn’t know the Premier League and he used to make a step forward in the locker room in the bad moments to help the team, and personally to me say the things he believed was best for the club. He was an exceptional captain, a top human being, and I’m really pleased.”

City are looking to book a place at Wembley once again after losing to Liverpool in the semifinals last season.