Coventry manager Frank Lampard could not hide his grief as Sunderland ruined his side’s possible Premier League dreams.
Dan Ballard’s header in the 122nd minute ensured a 1-1 tie on the night and Sunderland’s 3-2 aggregate victory. The outcome sent the Black Cats to Wembley for a play-off final against Sheffield United scheduled for May 24.
What was his reaction to the defeat?
The former Chelsea coach called the loss one of the hardest events he has ever lived through. Although his team had controlled much of the two-legged tie, a last-gasp event dashed their ambitions.
Responding to Sky Sports when as if the clash was the cruellest in his career, he revealed, “Yeah, that’s the biggest example I think I’ve probably been involved in.
He commended his players for their bravery even if they had lost. From 17th place in December to the play-offs, the West Midlands’ outfit had made an amazing turnaround.
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He went on: “They don’t deserve it, the players. I’m a lot older… so I’ve taken whacks and had success. But for those players, they don’t deserve that.”
What the defeat meant to the coach?
The ex-England international obviously loved his team. He underlined the Sky Blues’ game control, even silencing the Mackems.
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“They owned it up until extra-time. They owned it the second half. It was like the crowd was dead quiet,” he added.
The visiting team’s showing exhibited composure and bravery. The ultimate result, nevertheless, did not mirror their work.
What message did the gaffer send to their fans?
The 46-year-old gaffer thanked Coventry supporters despite the suffering. He thought their team would make them proud.
He ended: “I think that they’ll be going home tonight proud of their players, their support. And, yeah, I’m just disappointed for them that they don’t get a trip to Wembley.”
Though Lampard players’ road may have ended in heartbreak, the gaffer’s direction has had a long-lasting influence. The one-time FA Cup champions can take pride in themselves.
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