Lampard admits Coventry have 'serious lessons to learn' after Hull defeat
COVENTRY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Frank Lampard, manager of Coventry City reacts on the side line during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Coventry City and Hull City at The Coventry Building Society Arena on August 29, 2026 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Frank Lampard lamented the performance from Coventry City in a 1-0 loss to Hull City.
The Sky Blues were beaten comprehensively by reigning Premier League champions Arsenal last Friday in the first fixture of the new season. But they would have fancied their chances of taking something from a game against a fellow promoted outfit, and it would have been particularly valuable for the team to bring their best to the first topflight game staged at their stadium, the CBS Arena.
·'You have to work towards quality'
Unfortunately, the manager felt that his side could be found wanting in their display on Saturday afternoon, and they were ultimately sucker punched by a Liam Millar strike on the counterattack.
Nobody can take away the excitement of being in the top tier for the first time since 2001, but Lampard believes that his players must quickly learn lessons if they are to do themselves justice.
"For a game we controlled a lot of the possession we were too slow with it. Against a back five and a team who want to slow you down. We created more problems than Manchester United did. But it wasn't like us. Normally we're more aggressive. There are some serious lessons to learn.
"[We were missing] quality as well. You have to work towards quality. It was too much slow play from us. It's hard against a back five. When you cross, they have players to deal with it.
·A mental step up
"The Premier League brings it with feeling around it, it's a step up. It's a mental side for the players - I want them to get over it. They have to get to grips with it. We have to get there quickly.
"You talk about experience but it's moments on the pitch. The counter attack [goal] was our corner, you have to stop it by any means. Those details are crucial."