Approaches promotion playoffs
© Imago
When Frank Lampard started the coaching post at Coventry City, the second division team was two points away from the relegation ranks-13 games later, the club from the West Midlands lacks three points for the promotion playoffs. After initial skepticism, the ex-Schelsea coach primarily improved the defensive of the Sky Blues and won the favor of fans.
After the convincing 2-0 at Swansea City, Lampard’s name echoed from the away block – it was the fourth victory in a row for Coventry. The 46-year-old’s commitment was viewed skeptically, because his two previous stations had not exactly ensured euphoria. After Lampard won one point per game in 44 games as a coach of FC Everton, he worked as an interim coach at Chelsea after the dismissal of Graham Potter. He was sitting on the bench of blues eleven times, only one game could be won.
“My only answer to such criticism is: give me an opportunity to work,” the former English international appealed to his presentation at the end of November. In addition, the dissatisfaction about Mark Robin’s dismissal, which was described in the club announcement as “one of the greatest coaches of all time”, made Lampard took office. Robins was a coach of Coventry City for more than seven years, led the club from the League Two to the promotion playoffs to the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup last year. In the meantime, he heads the fortunes at Stoke City.
Lampard stabilizes the defensive from Coventry
Lampard won seven of his 13 games in the championship and only went out of the square three times. In addition, he reached the 4. round in the FA Cup, where on Saturday against Ipswich Town. With 41 points, Coventry occupies eleven in the championship, the gap to the sixth -placed West Brom is only three points (to the table). The ranks three to six secure a ticket for the promotion playoffs, whose winners in the Premier League can do.
Lampard in particular has improved the defensive. Before taking office, Coventry stood with 25 goals after 17 match days. Since then, the defense around Liam Kitching has only received 13 goals in 13 games and remained zero six times. In the recent winning streak, goalkeeper Oliver Dovin kept a white vest three times.
On the offensive, midfielder Jack Rudoni and attacker Ellis Simms are the top performers. With eight assists, Rudoni, who had come from Huddersfield for 5.9 million euros before the season, is one of the best templates of the championship. Simms had started in 2023 as the successor to Viktor Gyökeres and is currently replacing the injured striker Haji Wright.
In view of 16 outstanding game days and the narrow table, it is too early for Coventry to dream of returning to the Premier League. The club was first -class for the last time in the 2000/01 season. Nevertheless, Lampard brought the Sky Blues back into safe waters and ensured that you have nothing to do with relegation this season.