Vincent Kompany: I’ve no regrets over Belgium decision

Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany has no regrets about going against his manager’s wishes and playing for Belgium against Israel.

Prior to Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Manchester United, City boss Manuel Pellegrini left Kompany out of his starting line-up for the previous two matches.

The Chilean was unhappy with the centre-back, and Belgium coach Marc Wilmots, for fielding the player in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel in Brussels even though the hosts had already secured qualification.

The 29-year-old admits it is difficult juggling the demands of club and country, but appears to be happy with his decision to play.

“For now, in the past and the future, it’s always going to be a little bit of a tricky situation,” Kompany said.

“They (City and Belgium) are two very important teams that have different goals and ambitions and it’s just normal that stuff like this happens.

“I would not have played if I was not fit. I dealt with my decision and I didn’t have a problem with it.”

Pellegrini insisted he was not “punishing” Kompany by leaving him out of the team for the games against Bournemouth and Sevilla.

And the player himself dismissed claims he had fallen out with his manager over the matter.

“There is no problem with me and the manager,” he said.

Kompany’s performance, and that of his centre-back partner Nicolas Otamendi, helped City grind out at goalless draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Kompany admits City fans will not remember the derby fondly, but the point the Blues gained meant they moved to the top of the table.

He added: “Both teams wanted to protect a good position in the league.

“The fact that it’s a draw is still good for us and good for United.

“Losing would have been a problem for us and a problem for them.”