Achieving 30 points out of a possible 36 is an exceptional feat in any league. In a fiercely competitive league like the Championship, it`s almost unbelievable. This league is known for its unpredictable nature, where even top teams can struggle against those fighting relegation.
Therefore, the consistent performance Coventry City has displayed since January 4th is truly remarkable. Back then, a 2-1 loss to Norwich City placed the Sky Blues in 15th place. A season that initially promised much in August seemed to be stagnating by the halfway point.
However, twelve games later, Coventry is now firmly in the playoff contention. While securing an automatic promotion spot might be out of reach, especially with Friday`s opponent Sheffield United currently holding one of those positions, Coventry possesses something invaluable with eight games remaining: momentum.
The reason for this turnaround appears to be Frank Lampard and his coaching staff. The former England star arrived at the CBS Arena aiming to prove himself after disappointing stints at Chelsea and Everton. He inherited a squad that was already performing reasonably well statistically under previous manager Mark Robins, but lacked belief.
This lack of belief has certainly been addressed. According to star midfielder Jack Rudoni, the atmosphere at Coventry`s training ground is incredibly positive.
Boosting Confidence
`A lot of credit goes to the new staff,` Rudoni told CBS Sports. `They`ve made everything enjoyable while clearly communicating their expectations. Everyone understands their roles, and training is now fun. They are genuinely good people you can talk to and enjoy being around.`
`This has strengthened the bond between the players, and the wins have amplified that. The team spirit in the locker room is fantastic right now. Everyone is incredibly enthusiastic.`
Of course, positive vibes alone don`t earn you the most Championship points since the FA Cup third round, a period where only Liverpool has a better points-per-game record. 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 negative impact on performance.
For Rudoni personally, the formation change has allowed him to play as a more attacking midfielder in a 4-3-3 setup. Possession has slightly increased, and while they might be taking slightly fewer shots, the quality of those shots, measured by expected goals (xG), has significantly improved on average.
Coventry`s expected goals profile is worth examining further. Interestingly, their underlying numbers have remained quite consistent. In 14 games under Robins, Coventry`s non-penalty xG difference per game was 0.46. In 28 games under Lampard, it`s also 0.46. Under the previous manager, Coventry were somewhat underperforming their xG, whereas under Lampard, they are now achieving results in line with it.
The fact that the xG profile is largely unchanged shouldn`t diminish Lampard`s achievements. Outperforming the opposition by half an expected goal on average is the performance level of a promotion contender. Lampard`s contribution has been to help the team translate their underlying performance into actual results.
However, data doesn`t capture everything. This is where the improved dressing room atmosphere comes into play. A talented squad, evidenced by their successful acquisition of players like Viktor Gyokores, needed a fresh perspective and renewed belief that they could live up to the preseason expectations of being promotion contenders.
Rudoni highlights an example of video analysis by assistant manager Joe Edwards that immediately benefited him and Mason-Clark in a recent win against Preston.
`Before that game, Joe showed me clips, because Ephron was returning from injury. He showed me moments from a previous game where Ephron crossed for me to score a header. He reminded us of our link-up play and the threat we pose together.`
`Twenty minutes into the game, we scored almost the exact same goal.`
Lampard`s Influence
It was a classic Lampard-esque goal, a late run into the box to exploit space created by teammates and left by the defense. Rudoni, a London native who grew up idolizing Lampard during Chelsea`s golden era, is particularly enjoying these moments. He was a young fan when Chelsea won the Champions League, and now he`s being coached by the captain from that historic night.
What was it like meeting his childhood hero?
`I was eager to ask him so many questions. I want to learn everything I can from him, to understand how he reached such a high level,` Rudoni said.
`He probably thinks I ask too many questions! But he`s one of the best. Why wouldn`t I want to learn from him?`
Rudoni isn`t just playing under Lampard; he`s essentially playing the “Lampard role.”
`Working with him and learning from the best is all I could ask for. He helps me with box runs, finishing techniques inside and outside the box, sharing drills and methods that worked for him,` he explained.
Lampard himself acknowledged earlier this month that this role is a learning experience for him too. His early managerial career showed promise with Derby County and Chelsea, but a period at Everton presented challenges. Since then, Lampard has focused on learning from top coaches, spending time with Brentford`s Thomas Frank and even Pep Guardiola. This seems to be paying off. Coventry fans, initially skeptical about anyone replacing the popular Mark Robins, seem to have embraced the new manager. The players, sharing Lampard`s desire for improvement, have also responded positively.
`As a team, we are receptive to new ideas and eager to learn,` Rudoni stated. `We are not an arrogant group.`
`The staff implemented their style effectively, and we`ve embraced it as a team. We`ve worked hard, and the wins have built momentum and a great atmosphere. We hope it continues.`
If Coventry maintains this form, they are likely to secure a playoff spot. Winning three more games could end their 21-year absence from the Premier League. At the turn of the century, Coventry, despite struggles, were a long-standing top-flight club with a rich history, including winning the FA Cup in 1988 and a famous escape from relegation in 1997.
Their rise from League Two to the Championship playoffs has reignited the passion at the CBS Arena. If Rudoni and his teammates can surpass the achievements of the 2023 team, they will become club legends.
`I see the fans` passion and what this means to them. I would be thrilled to achieve this for them as much as for ourselves. They`ve been to Wembley recently without success, and I hope this is our year.`
`Let`s make this our year. I`m ready to go to Wembley and win.`
