http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 07,00.html
Kompany - City can cope
Defender insists Tevez departure would not rattle Blues
Vincent Kompany claims Manchester City will be stronger this season - with or without Carlos Tevez.
The Blues are still no closer to knowing whether they will begin the 2011/12 campaign with their talismanic Argentine striker in the side or not.
Tevez is pushing for a move away from the Etihad Stadium and has already seen a proposed £40million return to former employers Corinthians collapse.
Unless a big-spending European club is prepared to meet City's increased £50million valuation, there is a chance the South American frontman could be forced to stay at City.
His presence would certainly aid the club's cause, as they attempt to build on last season's FA Cup and top-four heroics, but Kompany insists Roberto Mancini's Blues are no one-man team.
The Belgian centre-half said in The Sun: "Until there is an actual signature and it is confirmed he is not a Manchester City player any more, I do not have to comment about Carlos.
"What I do know is that the group will be stronger next season, with or without him.
"What I do know is that the group will be stronger next season, with or without him (Tevez). "
Vincent Kompany Quotes of the week
Great players
"Whether he stays or goes, it won't change what we want to achieve. The goals remain the same.
"We've had great players here who have moved on.
"With them it's great but without them we find a solution."
Regardless of whether Tevez stays or goes, it is widely expected that Mancini will opt to hand the captain's armband to Kompany this season, and he admits he would be honoured to lead the club into an historic campaign - as they prepare to enter the UEFA Champions League.
He added: "It would be a big honour for me. But until I hear differently, Carlos remains the captain.
"Whenever I've been captain, it has always been a great honour. Yet it doesn't change my role in the team.
"You don't have to wear the armband to be a captain."
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