Coventry head coach Frank Lampard appeared to become embroiled in an angry incident following his side’s Championship play-off semi-final defeat against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday (May 13).
Lampard, 46, saw his side play out a 1-1 draw on the night as Coventry lost 3-2 on aggregate thanks to Daniel Ballard’s goal on 112 minutes.
The result means Lampard’s side will remain in the Championship next season while Sunderland will face Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley on May 26 – with the winners progressing to the Premier League.
Shortly after the game, footage emerged on social media which appeared to show that Lampard was visibly annoyed following an incident with a Sunderland supporter, who had encroached onto the field of play before approaching the Coventry boss.Despite his side’s defeat, the former Chelsea boss has turned Coventry’s fortunes around since he took over in November 2024. Lampard has since guided the Sky Blues to 17 wins, five draws and 11 losses in 33 games.
Lampard gave his thoughts on his side’s aggregate defeat when he spoke after the game.
“Yeah, that’s the biggest example [of how cruel football can be] I think I’ve probably been involved in,” Lampard told Sky Sports.”Firstly, congratulations to Sunderland, they go to the final. But, I’ve got immense pride in my players, over the two games, we dominated at home and dominated huge periods of this game.
“Where we’ve come from, 17th in the league in December, the players have been brilliant in the second half of the season. We’re competing with the parachute teams in terms of where we finish.
“We came here with absolute bravery to play the way we play. They had to concede to us because of the way we played, the way the lads controlled the game. They don’t deserve it, the players. I’m a lot older, I’ve been around a lot, so I’ve taken whacks and I’ve had success.
“I suppose I can be maybe a tiny bit more balanced in my job, but for those players, they don’t deserve that. So, congratulations to Sunderland. We’re not bitter, but we were the better team over the two football matches. Absolutely clear. That’s why they’ll be so happy that they won that game. They’re going to Wembley, but in a football sense massive pride.”I can’t ask for any more. I’m so disappointed for the club, for the fans, the owner and the players. Once the dust settles, I cannot be disappointed with the way they play.
“You work every day with them and they take on information and they’re together in the group even at the end on the pitch. So, you know, football.
“I didn’t have to say much to them because the players were doing it. They owned it on the pitch. They owned it up until extra-time.
“They owned it the second half. It was like the crowd was dead quiet. They understood that a team was coming and taking control on their home place.
“It’s cruel. But I can’t think of anything but pride for the season and for tonight.
“We wanted to go to Wembley. But sometimes the gods conspire against you in certain ways.
“We want the squad to get stronger. The players have shown what they can do, that they can compete. The fans deserve it at this football club.
“I think that they’ll be going home tonight proud of their players, their support. And, yeah, I’m just disappointed for them that they don’t get a trip to Wembley.”
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