In any league, achieving 30 points from a possible 36 is remarkably impressive. In a league as competitive as the Championship, it`s almost unbelievable. This league is known for its unpredictable nature, where even top teams can struggle against those fighting relegation.
The consistency Coventry City has shown since January 4th is noteworthy. Back then, a 2-1 defeat at Norwich City placed the Sky Blues in 15th position. A season that initially looked promising seemed to be losing direction by its midpoint.
However, twelve games later, Coventry is firmly in the playoff contention. While automatic promotion might be out of reach, especially with their recent opponent Sheffield United holding a strong position, Coventry possesses crucial momentum with eight games remaining.
The driving force behind this turnaround appears to be Frank Lampard and his coaching team. Lampard arrived at the CBS Arena seeking to prove himself after disappointing stints at Chelsea and Everton. He inherited a squad that was already performing reasonably well statistically under Mark Robins, but lacked belief.
That lack of belief has clearly been addressed. According to star playmaker Jack Rudoni, the atmosphere at the Sky Blue Lodge training ground is incredibly positive.
Bringing Belief
`A lot of credit goes to the new staff,` Rudoni told CBS Sports. `They`ve made everything enjoyable and provided clear direction. Everyone understands their roles, and training is now fun. They are great people to be around and communicate with.`
`This has strengthened our team spirit, and the wins have amplified it further. The atmosphere in the changing room is fantastic right now. Everyone is buzzing.`
Of course, positive vibes alone don`t earn you the most Championship points since the FA Cup third round. Lampard adjusted the system after Ephron Mason-Clark`s injury, switching to a back three formation, which Coventry has recently moved away from without any drop in performance.
Rudoni`s role has also been tweaked, allowing him to play as an attack-minded midfielder in a 4-3-3 setup. Possession has slightly increased, and although they are taking fewer shots, the quality of chances, measured by expected goals (xG), has improved significantly.
Sheffield United vs. Coventry City
- Location: Bramall Lane — Sheffield, United Kingdom
Coventry`s xG profile is worth examining. Interestingly, their underlying numbers haven`t drastically changed. Under Robins, their non-penalty xG difference per game was 0.46. Under Lampard, it remains 0.46. The key difference is that under Lampard, Coventry is now achieving results that align with their xG, whereas previously they were underperforming.
The consistency in xG shouldn`t diminish Lampard`s impact. An expected goal difference of 0.5 per game is typical for promotion-contending teams. Lampard`s contribution has been to help the team convert their performances into tangible results.
Beyond data, other factors are at play. The changes in the dressing room dynamic are crucial. A talented squad, evidenced by their successful recruitment of players like Viktor Gyokores, needed renewed belief in their abilities, aligning with preseason expectations of being promotion contenders.
Rudoni highlights video analysis sessions with assistant manager Joe Edwards as immediately beneficial, particularly in their win against Preston.
`Before the Preston game, Joe showed me clips of a previous game where Ephron crossed for me to score a header. He reminded us of our successful partnership, highlighting the potential we had together,` Rudoni explained.
`And just twenty minutes into the game, we replicated that exact goal.`
Lampard`s Aura
It was a classic Lampard-esque goal – a late run into the box, exploiting space created by teammates. Rudoni, a London native who idolized Lampard during Chelsea`s golden era, now finds himself coached by his childhood hero.
Reflecting on meeting Lampard, Rudoni said, `I was eager to learn from him, to understand how he reached such a high level.`
`I probably ask him a lot of questions,` Rudoni admits, `But he`s one of the best. Why wouldn`t I seek his knowledge?`
Rudoni is not just playing under Lampard; he`s playing the Lampard role.
`Learning from the best is invaluable. He coaches me on box arrivals, finishing techniques, and shares drills that helped him succeed,` he added.
Lampard himself acknowledged that this role is a learning experience for him as well. After early successes at Derby County and Chelsea, and a challenging spell at Everton, he`s focused on continuous improvement, learning from figures like Thomas Frank and Pep Guardiola. This approach seems to be working at Coventry. Fans, initially skeptical after Mark Robins` successful tenure, and players alike have embraced Lampard`s leadership and thirst for progress.
`We are a group of players eager to learn and improve,` Rudoni stated. `We aren`t a team full of egos.`
`The coaching staff has implemented their style effectively, and we`ve embraced it. We’ve stuck together, worked hard, and the wins have followed. We hope it continues.`
Continued success could lead Coventry to the playoffs and potentially end their 21-year absence from the top flight. Despite past struggles, Coventry remains a club with a rich history, including a memorable FA Cup win in 1988 and dramatic escapes from relegation.
Their resurgence from League Two to Championship playoff contention has reignited the atmosphere at the CBS Arena. If they surpass last season`s playoff performance, they will become legends.
`I see the fans` passion and what this means to them. I`d be delighted to achieve promotion for them and for the team,` Rudoni concluded. `They`ve been to Wembley before without success, and I hope this is our year.`
`Let`s make this the year. I`m ready for Wembley and ready to win.`
Adrian Whitmore