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“Frank Lampard Sparks Chelsea Memories as Coventry City Targets Vengeful Showdown with Sunderland
History has shown Frank Lampard that Coventry City’s upcoming second leg at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday is far from an impossible task.
As the Sky Blues manager readies his squad for what promises to be a charged night on Wearside, he draws on his own extensive experience, both as a player and a coach.
While Eliezer Mayenda’s late goal handed Sunderland a 2-1 advantage in the first leg last Friday, Lampard remains confident that the tie is still open.
Lampard recalled a memorable Champions League clash between Chelsea and Liverpool that nearly slipped out of Chelsea’s grasp.
In 2009, Chelsea had taken control of their quarter-final with a 3-1 victory at Anfield.
But goals from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso leveled the tie before Didier Drogba, Alex, and a pair of late goals from Lampard himself secured Chelsea’s progress with a dramatic 4-4 draw.
As a manager, Lampard also remembers a more recent experience from six years ago, when Leeds United appeared to be in control of their second leg against Derby County before a monumental collapse handed the victory to Lampard’s side.
He told FLW’s Neil Moxley: “I’ve been in football long enough to know that it’s never over until it’s over – that applies in both directions.
“I remember being 3-1 up with Chelsea against Liverpool in the Champions League, and then they scored two quick goals to level it at 3-3 at Stamford Bridge. It completely changed the game.
“When I was at Derby, we went to Leeds with a 1-0 deficit from the first leg and were 1-0 down at Elland Road, but we managed to turn it around. There are so many examples of how things can change.
“The fact is, the game is still on, and we know exactly what lies ahead. We can’t predict how Sunderland will approach it, but we just need to focus on playing the game in front of us. The opportunity is there for us.
“I’m not concerned about the consequences; we just need to do what’s right.”
As a thrilling night looms at the Stadium of Light, Lampard is aware that if Coventry are to complete a dramatic turnaround, they must avoid the mistakes that cost them in the first leg.
He added: “Sunderland are a strong team at this level, but we were purposeful in attack and controlled a lot of the game in the first leg.
Losing the way we did wasn’t ideal, but it’s better than being dominated.
“We know we performed well, but there’s room for improvement. We know we can do better.
“We’re heading to the Stadium of Light, a fantastic stadium with a passionate fanbase that supports their team.
That’s why we’re in this game. You don’t always get to play in front of your own supporters.”
