Frank Lampard makes feelings clear after Coventry suffer play...

At the Stadium of Light, Frank Lampard watched as his Coventry team’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs were

dashed as they lost to Sunderland in the 120th minute.

Coventry’s play-off elimination in the 120th minute, following Sunderland’s goal in the last seconds of their semi-

final match, devastated Frank Lampard. With the Chelsea legend now leading the Sky Blues, they suffer yet another

near-miss in the postseason.

After finishing the Championship season in fourth position, one spot ahead of Coventry, Sunderland’s journey to

Wembley was completed by Daniel Ballard’s header in extra time. Since taking charge in December, when the team

was in 17th place, Lampard has led a spectacular comeback.

The Midlands outfit were beaten late on in the first-leg, losing 2-1 after Eliezer Mayenda’s strike in the 88th minute.

Lampard though was adamant that they dominated on their own patch and then produced another sensational

showing at the Stadium of Light.

The match was headed for penalties after Ephron Mason-Clark’s goal forced extra time, but Sunderland won it in the

closing seconds, leaving several Coventry players on their knees as they grappled with the destruction.

As a manager, Lampard has experienced play-off heartbreak. In 2019, he lost to Aston Villa in the final with Derby,

but he was clearly upset after the game as he tried to come to terms with the defeat after his team had put in so much

effort.

“First of all, congrats to Sunderland! They advance to the final, but I’m really proud of my players,” he remarked. We

won both games at home, but we made a mistake that allowed them to score. I believe we controlled this game for

extended stretches of time. We controlled the game and played wave after wave in the second half.

“The players have given everything from where we’ve come from – 17th in the league in December and the players

have been brilliant in the second half of the season.

Because of the way we played and the way the boys dominated the game, they had to give in to us, and they didn’t

deserve it. Since I’m older and have seen both success and setbacks, I might be able to be a little more balanced in my

work, but those players don’t deserve it.

“We’re not bitter, and congratulations to Sunderland but we were the better team over the two football matches and

that’s why they’ll be so happy going to Wembley.”

Coventry had been on the verge of qualifying for the Premier League for the second time in three seasons, but has

lost out. Under Mark Robins’ leadership, they lost in the play-off final two years ago. The Sky Blues’ final top flight

outing occurred in 2001, and Luton beat them on penalties that time.

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