Vincent Kompany insists Burnley will handle Sunday’s final-day match against Nottingham Forest like any other game.
It was thought that this game would be a winner-take-all battle for the Clarets in their struggle against relegation. However, their fate has already been determined after losing 2-1 to Tottenham last time out.
It means there’s nothing on the line for Kompany’s side, while Forest’s survival prospects are all but assured, with Luton Town needing a 12 goal swing to move out of the bottom three.
When asked what strategy his Burnley team will adopt for this game, Kompany said: “I understand that winning or losing this game has a different significance than the last game against Tottenham.
“But the intention to do everything in our power to win this game is critical. We must provide the team the opportunity to do so, and this must be reflected in the team selection process.
“After that, I understand that depending on what happens in the next few days, there may be some send-offs for players who have done exceptionally well for the club.” As a club, we will always make the decision to look after our members wherever possible.
“The chairman and coaching staff support it, and I believe it is vital for our supporters and players.
“Sometimes that is more important than anything. Sometimes we have to feel that doing the right thing is a positive step towards our future.”
In response to Burnley’s relegation last week, Kompany stated that the next day of training will be “day one” of the club’s new season.
He reiterated that message ahead of this weekend’s encounter, implying it will be part of Burnley’s preparation for the forthcoming Championship season.
“We have to go all out,” he remarked.
“If we regard this as the first game of next season, in terms of preparation, then it is a critical game in which we must go all out.
“There are a few personal stories associated to this game since some players may be playing their final game and so on, and we want to be aware of that.
“But the main thing is winning the game, that’s our only priority.”
