Soccer: Kompany praises 'great teacher' Guardiola for Man City impact

(Reuters) - Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany believes manager Pep Guardiola's teachings have helped players get their fundamentals right and credits the Spaniard for the Premier League club's progress.

Guardiola took over at City in 2016 and guided them to a third-placed league finish last season but ended the campaign trophy-less.

In his second season at the helm, the Spaniard has led City to an unbeaten start, with the league leaders are eight points clear of their closest rivals and on a 19-game winning streak across all competitions.

"He's a great teacher... I've got to be honest, it has made me realise how important it is for managers to be actual teachers, no matter what level the footballer is at," Kompany told Sky Sports.

"Sometimes it is taken for granted that top professionals know everything they need to do, but in reality it is quite the opposite.

"When you break it down, go back to basics, and explain all of these things to these great players, it gives them another level... Being super cautious, I see progression in the team, but until we've won silverware, it's not enough."

The Belgian defender believes that a mix of being better-adjusted to Guardiola's tactics and cautious optimism has helped City develop into a better team this campaign.

"I don't think we show as many weaknesses as last season. At the same time, I think we have understood what he (Guardiola) wants a little bit better... we have kind of learned from the fact that nothing has happened yet," Kompany added.

"We are not getting carried away, I think a lot of people around us are getting carried away, but if you go in the dressing room it's calm and focused. We all felt what it's like not to win anything, and we don't want that to happen again."

City host relegation-threatened West Ham United in the league on Sunday.

(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru)