Vincent Kompany says he did not become Burnley manager just to win the Championship title amid rising concerns over the Clarets’ top-flight form.

Kompany led Burnley to Championship glory in impressive fashion last season, but the former Belgium defender has come under pressure after one victory in 11 Premier League games.

Only Sheffield United are below them in the table on goal difference, and Burnley’s next game on Saturday is a daunting trip to fourth-placed Arsenal.

“I didn’t sign up in the job for just winning the league with 101 points,” Kompany said at his pre-match press conference, referring to last season’s success.

“If you sign up as a manager there’s very few people who win. It’s usually the same guy and he’s bald like me (Pep Guardiola). You have to put things into perspective, there’s very few managers that win trophies.

“I’ll never ever let myself be drawn into the situation where I don’t look at the context of this league, and the context of who we are and where we are.

“Our goal is to out-punch and be in that league, but there’s no scenario in which it is not a tough road.

“There’s a gap you have to close and closing that gap demands tremendous effort – and that’s what we are trying to do.”

Burnley have lost five successive games since their only league success, 2-1 away to fellow new boys Luton.

Last Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace produced more costly errors and frustration at the final whistle from the Turf Moor crowd.

Kompany said: “It’s something I could have predicted at the start of the season, that when you’re exposed to the highest level it forces you in to mistakes.

“There’s a variety of them. But it’s a steep learning and that’s the moment for them to measure against the best, grow, and be part of this elite level.

“What will frustrate me is if there is ever a lack of effort, that would get my blood boiling. But there isn’t a lack of effort.

“There is an entire squad who are doing everything they can every single day (to improve) and working hard. It’s a very calm place.”

Sweden defender Hjalmar Ekdal is closing in on a return to first-team action after being on the sidelines for over two months with a knee injury.