Burnley star makes remarkable claim despite only taking 14 points this season

Sander Berge insists he has developed most this season under Vincent Kompany - despite Burnley's woeful campaign.

Burnley is all about the big picture and the Clarets will stick with Kompany if, as looks highly probable, they are relegated because they believe he is making them better.

Chairman Alan Pace and his board embarked on a three-year plan when they hired Kompany to be a Premier League club in 2025 and the Clarets boss can still fulfil that goal if they do down and he wins promotion. Berge bought into this long-term vision when he joined from Sheffield United for £15million on the eve of this season and says Kompany is improving their young, inexperienced squad.

Berge, 26, is one of Burnley’s elder statesmen, having played in the Champions League with Genk and in the Premier League with the Blades, and says Kompany is bringing the best out of him.

“That was probably one of the main reasons why I came here because I really believe in the project,” said the Norway midfielder. “I believe in getting young players together, developing them, taking the next steps and being part of a process, where it’s not decided in the short term, win or lose.

“This is a project to get better every day, despite having 14 points. It looks like a struggle, and it’s been a struggle at times. I understand people on the outside have been sceptical, but I can say for myself, and everyone in that dressing room, I probably never developed as much as I have this year compared to all the other years I’ve played football.

“There’s no doubt about that.”

Burnley have taken one step backwards in the hope of taking two forwards and their net spend last summer was a staggering £92million - just £1million less than quadruple-chasing Liverpool.

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