Frank Lampard opened up after leading Coventry City to promotion to the English Premier League for the next season.
Frank Lampard, manager of "The Sky Blues" Coventry City, said he is very proud after guiding his team to a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers in the latest Championship league match. This result guarantees promotion to the Premier League for the 2026-27 season, marking a return to the top flight after 25 years.
Following the draw with Blackburn last Friday night, Coventry increased their points tally to 86, securing a top-two finish in the table. They lead third-place Millwall by 13 points, with Millwall having only four games left, making it impossible to catch up.
Lampard said, "I feel very proud. Securing automatic promotion as a team without parachute payments, with three games remaining, is truly amazing. These kids have achieved something special and unique. Doing this after 25 years is just wow!"
"The determination to come back after last season's playoff defeat — we talked over the summer about what we could achieve this season, expecting to finish third or fourth to enter the playoffs. But instead, we earned automatic promotion. It’s a fantastic feeling that we accomplished this."
The former Chelsea and England midfielder, aged 47, took over as Coventry manager in November 2024.
"We came in knowing nothing about the club about 15 months ago. Then we fell in love with this place, and this is one of the greatest achievements I've experienced. I’m very proud."