Burnley: Vincent Kompany does not fear Premier League after promotion
- Published
Vincent Kompany (left) was appointed Burnley manager in June 2022
Manager Vincent Kompany says Burnley do not fear the Premier League after they secured promotion with seven games remaining.
A 2-1 Championship win at Middlesbrough on Friday sealed an immediate return to the top flight.
"We don't have to be ready now. We're still in April, so we have another three months to make sure that everything is ready," said Kompany.
"We want to compete. I don't think we have to fear that. We'll embrace it."
Burnley need 11 points from their final seven games to win the title, while 13 points will see them become the first Championship team to 100 since Leicester City in 2013-14.
"We still don't have the silverware, but we have made memories," said Kompany.
"There is already one milestone that has been achieved, and one achievement that cannot be taken away from us.
"I am really happy for the club and for everybody involved. This is special. I still have to say that the best moment will be if we get the trophy, and that is not the case yet."
Burnley were relegated last year following six seasons in the top flight, after which several key players left.
Relegation meant they were required to repay a "significant proportion" of a £65m loan from American finance company MSD Holdings, which the owners had taken on to purchase the club.
Burnley have won 25 and lost only two of their 39 league matches this season.
Chairman Alan Pace said promotion was a "complete surprise".
"This was not our plan," he told Sky Sports. "Vincent and I talked about it in the summer. We gave ourselves two, three years.
"What you have seen is a lot of magic coming together."
Ashley Barnes, who scored Burnley's first goal against Boro, said this was the "end of my era as a Burnley player".
"I'm quite emotional to score," the 33-year-old forward told Sky Sports.
"It's time to move on. I'm delighted for the staff and players and the fans. They've been through some tough times and it's nice to give that back to them today.
"I'll enjoy every moment. The job is done but now we want to be champions and finish it off."