Frank Lampard on Coventry City’s ‘cruel’ play-off exit at Sunderland
Frank Lampard Proud Despite Heartbreaking Coventry Exit
Frank Lampard expressed deep pride in his Coventry City side after their agonizing exit from the Championship play-offs, losing to Sunderland in extra time.
The Sky Blues were level 2-2 on aggregate after Ephron Mason-Clark’s composed second-half finish at the Stadium of Light.
Coventry had dominated large stretches of the game and appeared to be heading toward a penalty shootout—until Dan Ballard struck with a late header from a corner, sending Sunderland to Wembley and leaving Coventry heartbroken.
“We came here with real bravery and played our football,” said Lampard. “We forced them to sit back because of how we controlled the game. I couldn’t be prouder of the performance.”
While he acknowledged Sunderland’s win, Lampard was firm in his belief that Coventry had outplayed their opponents across both legs. “Congratulations to Sunderland, but we were the better team over the two matches.
That’s clear. They’ll be delighted, but from a footballing point of view, I’m filled with pride.”
Reflecting on the game, he added: “After the opening five minutes, we took the chaos out of the game and made it look a lot like how we played at home.
That’s tough to do away from home, but we managed it. The way we moved the ball, the structure of the team—there’s nothing more I could have asked for.”
Lampard admitted the result was painful for everyone involved. “I’m devastated for the players, the fans, the club, and the owner.
But when the emotion settles, I won’t be disappointed in the performance. I see these players work hard every day, and their unity showed at the final whistle.”
He concluded simply: “That’s football. It can be cruel.”
