Vincent Kompany insists there is no sense of panic at Burnley despite a dismal start to life back in the Premier League which has left them bottom of the table.

The Clarets face a huge game on Saturday when fellow strugglers Sheffield United visit Turf Moor, where Burnley are yet to win in the league this season after West Ham scored two late goals last weekend to win 2-1 and inflict a seventh straight home defeat on Kompany’s side.

But there is little sense that Kompany is under pressure at boardroom level, with minority shareholder and former NFL star JJ Watt having publicly backed the former Manchester City captain in an interview in the United States on Wednesday.

Asked what gave him faith that Burnley can turn things around, Kompany said: “I just see behind the scenes the total dedication and work rate.

“If ever there’s a story to be written in the future about this club it’s about how differently it behaves in moments like this. I can really say I don’t think I’ve ever encountered anything like this.

“There’s a total focus on what we need to do. People are calm, people are together, supporting each other and when something needs to be sorted out we’re about to talk about it as a group.

“That gives me the feeling this is a place where things will turn, but it’s got to happen on the pitch.”

Watt appeared on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday and offered an emphatic answer when the presenter joked that Kompany’s position might be under threat, saying: “He ain’t going, I’ll tell you that right now.”

“It’s always better than hearing the opposite,” Kompany said with a smile. “I think in all fairness the lines of communication within the club are open enough for me to have conversations that are always very transparent.”

Kompany has credit in the bank after steering Burnley back into the Premier League ahead of schedule. Although they have found the top flight extremely tough going, losing 11 of their 13 games so far, it has been just as difficult for Sheffield United.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side have only one more point on the board and will travel over the Pennines after a chastening 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend.

“It’s a massive game for both teams,” Kompany said. “For these players taking the field they’re not the easiest ones, but they’re the ones that make you as well.”

Kompany described the West Ham defeat as “cruel”, with Burnley the better side for the vast majority of the match before a late collapse. Saturday is an opportunity to put some of that right.

“If you preach resilience and mental discipline and all these things, you get confronted with that in moments like this,” Kompany said.

“Emotionally after the game, for 24, 48 hours it’s not great but I think you’re in this job because you love everything that comes with it. I can change very quickly to being focused on what’s ahead.

“The frustration is definitely there, that’s not something I’ve experienced only myself but everyone within the club. The first thing we wanted was to have a game back at Turf Moor as quickly as we could so we’re really looking forward to Saturday. It can’t come quickly enough."