Source: Team_Talk
Kompany plays down Shield loss
Vincent Kompany insists Manchester City's confidence going into the new season will not be at all dented by their Community Shield defeat.[LNB] Manchester United landed an early-season blow on their ambitious rivals as they snatched a last-gasp victory in a Wembley thriller on Sunday.[LNB]Yet Kompany, whose mistake led to Nani's injury-time winner, is not concerned about the outcome and expects the FA Cup winners to provide their rivals a stern challenge this term.[LNB]When asked if the result gave United a psychological edge, the Belgium international said on Monday: "No, nothing.[LNB]"I'm sure if we would have won United would have said the same. We are very confident.[LNB]"We have seen here that even when we do not play our best game we can still be very dangerous. It was really close regardless.[LNB]"We have got a lot of potential and much to improve. Come the league, the Champions League and the FA Cup we will be ready. We are a strong team, an organised team.[LNB]"We might not have been it today, but we are going to be for the future."[LNB]City are expected to build on last season's success to make a strong push for the Premier League title.[LNB]They begin their campaign against promoted Swansea at the Etihad Stadium next Monday.[LNB]Kompany added: "It would have been nice to win it but the fact we didn't isn't going to change anything for how we have worked towards the Swansea game.[LNB]"It is good we have another important 90 minutes in the legs.[LNB]"It wasn't our best performance but when we start next Monday, that is going to be the big one. We are going to be ready."[LNB]City took command of the game against United with goals late in the first half from Joleon Lescott and Edin Dzeko.[LNB]United responded through Chris Smalling before Nani completed a fine team move to level with a superb equaliser.[LNB]With no extra time to be played, a penalty shoot-out loomed until Nani dispossessed Kompany near the halfway line in the fourth minute of injury time and raced clear to score.[LNB]It was a rare error from the normally reliable Kompany, who captained the team and is expected to be handed the role full time in place of Carlos Tevez.[LNB]"It happens," said Kompany. "You play centre-half, that is a lot of responsibility.[LNB]"Sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn't. It's part of what football is about.[LNB]"I'll move on now to the next game. That's what I've always done."[LNB]The season ahead promises to be an exciting one for City with the club competing in the Champions League for the first time after finishing third last term.[LNB]Kompany said: "Every competition we start this season will be a priority for us.[LNB]"We are excited because it's a big season ahead we have been working hard.[LNB]"Come Monday it will be a big kick-off for us.[LNB]"But now is not the time to give big talk. We have to be ready for the Swansea game."
