“Unacceptable; Frank Lampard makes feelings clear after Coventry suffer play-off heartbreak at Sunderland
Lampard Heartbroken as Coventry’s Promotion Dream Crushed in Final Seconds
Frank Lampard was left devastated after his Coventry City side suffered a heartbreaking 120th-minute defeat to Sunderland in the Championship play-off semi-final at the Stadium of Light, ending their hopes of promotion.
Dan Ballard’s dramatic late header sealed Sunderland’s path to Wembley, leaving Lampard and his players shattered.
The Sky Blues, who had battled back brilliantly under Lampard’s leadership since his December appointment, came agonisingly close to reaching the final.
Coventry had already suffered late heartbreak in the first leg, conceding in the 88th minute to lose 2-1.
Despite that, Lampard insisted his side were dominant in both legs, playing with confidence and control—especially at home and during long stretches of the second leg.
Ephron Mason-Clark’s goal forced extra-time, and as the tie appeared destined for penalties, Sunderland struck with what proved to be the final chance of the game.
The late blow left several Coventry players in visible despair on the pitch.
Lampard, no stranger to play-off disappointment after losing the 2019 final with Derby County, was emotional after the match as he tried to come to terms with another cruel playoff defeat.
“First of all, congratulations to Sunderland,” Lampard said. “They’re going to the final, but I have immense pride in my players. If you watched both games, we dominated at home and again for large periods tonight.
We played our game, controlled the second half, and it was wave after wave of pressure from us.
“These players have given everything. When I came in, we were 17th in the table. Their turnaround has been incredible.
“They [Sunderland] had to sit back because of how well we played. The way we controlled the game—they didn’t deserve to lose like that.
I’ve been in football a long time, had successes and setbacks, so I can stay balanced. But for these players, it’s cruel. They didn’t deserve this.”
Despite the result, Lampard remained gracious in defeat: “We’re not bitter.
Congratulations to Sunderland—but I still believe we were the better team over the two games.
That’s why they’ll feel so relieved to be going to Wembley.”
This marks Coventry’s second play-off heartbreak in three seasons. Under Mark Robins in 2023, they were narrowly beaten by Luton Town on penalties in the final.
The Sky Blues haven’t played in the Premier League since 2001, and once again, that long-awaited return will have to wait.
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