Coventry City secured their return to the Premier League despite weathering three relegations, 15 different permanent managers, and playing at four different grounds.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has guided the Championship side to become the first team to gain promotion to the English Premier League (EPL) this season.
The English tactician sealed a return to the top flight for the outfit after a 25-year absence on Friday night, after securing a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.
It appeared their promotion celebrations might be delayed after the hosts took the lead through Ryoya Morishita.
However, Bobby Thomas rose late to head in a free-kick, earning the crucial point needed to get them over the line.
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Speaking after the game, Lampard explained how they achieved the feat, noting that he had to protect his players from the intense pressure of the promotion race.
He warned that every game remains a “banana skin” if players relax or allow the occasion to overcome them.
“I try to be simple and direct about it. I don’t like to talk too much,” Lampard said. “My situation 15 years ago in a big game is maybe different to theirs, but perhaps it’s one of the positives of having a long career and then becoming a manager. You have lived it.”
He added: “I can give some personal reflections or words which can impact the players. I have been here before. Every game is a banana skin if you don’t approach it in the right way—if you either relax or allow the pressure to overcome you.
“So, I try to keep it simple and if I feel it’s time for a little bit of a poke, I can give them a poke. I get on well with them; I think I do. I can give them that nudge and sometimes you just try to find the right situation.”
