Kompany: We're one of Europe's elite now like Barca and United

Vincent Kompany believes Manchester City stand shoulder to shoulder with Manchester United and Barcelona among Europe’s ‘big clubs’.

The captain says expectations at the Etihad Stadium have risen beyond recognition since Sheik Mansour’s Abu Dhabi-based consortium completed their buy-out in 2009 and an ‘incredible turnaround’ has occurred on and off the pitch.

The comments came as Manchester City travelled down to Wembley by train. 

One's Kompany: Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany arrives in London

I hope someone's saved me a seat: Carlos Tevez boards the train

That's A-Toure: Kolo Toure looks happy to see the camera

Can you check I turned the iron off: Micah Richards makes a last-minute call

Kompany described the current season as a ‘rollercoaster’ on the eve of the FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea, but was eager to remind fans who are unhappy with the defending champions’ Premier League form, despite Monday’s 2-1 win at United, how far City have evolved.

Belgium star Kompany said: ‘We’ve made a massive progression, not just on the field but off the field as well. The club work and function like a big club, and that couldn’t be said two years ago.

Bit of kip: Pablo Zabaleta falls asleep on the train down to London

Card games: James Milner (centre) and his team-mates indulge in a spot of 'Snap'

Hitman: Sergio Aguero using his phone on the ride down to The Big Smoke

Hey! Aguero spots the camera

‘People forget this is a turnaround that has happened over four or five years. It’s incredible and in that sense I believe we have overachieved.

‘But now that we’ve set the standard we cannot go under it again.’

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