“Sunderland Manager Regis Le Bris Makes Tough Decision After Player’s Sub Refusal”
Frank Lampard was visibly irate when a jubilant Sunderland fan approached him following Coventry’s play-off disappointment. The Sky Blues were eliminated from the play-offs due to Dan Ballard’s last-minute header at the Stadium of Light, which secured Sunderland’s 3-2 aggregate victory.
Coventry arrived in Wearside needing to overcome a one-goal deficit, having lost the first leg 2-1, and managed to level the tie in the second half courtesy of Ephron Mason-Clark’s tidy finish. It seemed destined for penalties, but Ballard headed in a corner in the 120th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Despite their sorrow at missing out on a play-off final against Sheffield United, Lampard and his squad took to the pitch to acknowledge the travelling supporters. However, they inadvertently found themselves amidst a pitch invasion by ecstatic Sunderland fans – with one individual taking things a step too far.
Television cameras captured the moment a shirtless and grinning Black Cats supporter attempted to approach Lampard, phone in hand. He seemed to be attempting to take a selfie or video with the ex-Chelsea midfielder, who did not appreciate his antics.
Lampard was seen responding angrily, assisting in pushing him away, alongside a group of Coventry players. He then swiftly turned and walked away, focusing his attention on expressing gratitude to the fans who had journeyed up to the north east, reports the Mirror.
The 46 year old Coventry boss, who took over the helm in November, has steered the team from 17th to 5th place, despite an initial backlash following predecessor Mark Robins’ departure. Reflecting on a bittersweet end to their season, he shared his pride, saying, “We came here with absolute bravery to play the way we played,” and pointed out, “They had to concede to us because of the way we played, the way we controlled the game.”
He further empathised with his players: “I am a lot older and been around a lot, taken whacks and so I can be a tiny bit more balanced but I feel for the players because they don’t deserve that. But congratulations to Sunderland but we were the better team over the two football matches.”
In a show of sportsmanship, he recognised Sunderland’s victory: “That’s absolutely clear and that’s why they will be so happy that they have won that match. They’re going to Wembley but in a football sense, pride. Massive pride.”
Providing insight into their tactical approach, the manager detailed, “We took frenetic out of the game after the first five minutes or so and then a lot of it looked like we did at home, and it’s hard to have that control away from home. But the balance of the team, the way we played, getting the ball wide, I can’t ask for any more.”
Despite the disappointment, he expressed his sentiments for everyone involved: “I am so disappointed for the club, for the players and the fans and then owner and everything. But once the dust settles I cannot be disappointed with the way they played.”
Closing with a nod to his squad’s unity and dedication, he praised their teamwork: “I work with them every day and they take on information and they are so together – you could see them on the pitch at the end there. It’s football.”
