Vincent Kompany believes keeping Burnley in the Premier League will be the greatest achievement of his managerial career to date.

The Clarets are preparing to take on Newcastle at Turf Moor on Saturday knowing a win could potentially take them out of the bottom three depending on results elsewhere.

Last season, the Belgian guided Burnley to 101 points in their Championship campaign, winning the league by 10 points above Sheffield United, but he thinks keeping them in the top flight would eclipse that achievement.

He told a press conference: “In my managerial career this would be the best.

“It is tougher, it is more difficult and less likely to happen. I think success at the end of suffering or sadness is even better. For me last year was special, don’t get me wrong, it was unexpected as well so that’s what made it good.

“This year you become some sort of zen master. You have to control your emotion, face the group on a Monday, come with an inspirational message on the Monday to go to Tuesday, to the whole week.

“Dealing with all of that and then at then being rewarded will be the best.”

Burnley have saved their best form until now and have lost just one of their last eight games – a 1-0 defeat to Everton at the start of April.

Kompany knows time is running out for his side this season, but feels there are a lot of points still up for grabs in the three final games.

He added: “There are nine points still to play for so three games is not a lot, but nine points is a lot and that is what it comes down to ultimately.

“It does feel like we would be happy for the league to continue and play more games this season.

“I do want every player to believe individually they can have a moment. Three times 95 minutes to play and every minute offers an opportunity to have a moment in the club’s history. It is so rare in life you have significant opportunity to have a moment in life and these guys will have the opportunity over the next three games.”

Burnley face a Newcastle side who have won three out of their last four games, scoring 10 goals and are setting their sights on finishing in the Europa League.

Kompany is relishing the challenge of welcoming Eddie Howe’s outfit in their penultimate home game of the season.

He said: “They have a lot of strengths and not a lot of weaknesses, but it is a game at Turf Moor and anything is possible.

“Athleticism, speed, players who are tactically versatile, technically capable and have a goal threat.

“That has been the Premier League for us the whole year, but our players have improved and I can say we look forward to have another go at the challenge. Can we close the gap? That is always the job we have as a coach and team.”