Kompany won't be drawn on Rooney switch

Kompany won't be drawn on Rooney switch

Published Oct. 21, 2010 9:15 a.m. ET

But the Belgium international was guarded when asked if he would rather play alongside the unsettled Manchester United striker. He said: "It is not for me to say. Obviously the focus is on what we are doing right now. "I am sure in January there will a lot of discussion about players but now it does not seem to be a priority. "He (Rooney) is a great player but am I saying anything surprising? I love playing against him as I love playing against great players. "He gives you a difficult game but he makes you play better as well when you defend against him." Kompany insists City's priority is the Europa League and a match against Lech Poznan with a victory on Thursday night taking them closer to the next stage. He said: "The situation City are in now, I do not think we can afford to be arrogant in any cup because we have not won anything. "This one is very important. The FA Cup will be very important to us just as much as the league. "Any trophy would be very welcome. The level in the Europa League is very high. Any games in Europe gives you experience." Manager Roberto Mancini could find himself short of strikers against the Polish side. Mario Balotelli remains sidelined with a knee injury, Jo has an ankle problem and Roque Santa Cruz is not on the club's Europa League list of players. Mancini was contemplating giving Carlos Tevez a rest but will now wait until the hours before kick-off before making a decision. It could mean Emmanuel Adebayor being the main striker even though he looked out of sorts in the 3-2 victory against Blackpool. Mancini was pleased with the player's contribution and said: "I was happy with Manu in our last game." City are looking to extend their eight-match unbeaten home run in Europe while Poznan have been unpredictable. They drew with Juventus and beat Salzburg in the competition but are now third bottom of their league. Not that Mancini is taking anything for granted. He said: "We must concentrate because Poznan are a good team and played very well against Juventus. If we want to win we must play very well. "It is an important trophy and we must try to get to the final. If we win we have a good chance to go to the next round."

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