Coventry City manager Frank Lampard says he is satisfied with the club’s summer recruitment and believes he has a squad capable of moving forward, despite a difficult start to their Premier League return.
Key takeaways
- Lampard, 48, has called for a strong mentality and urged his players not to dwell on early setbacks.
- Coventry completed the permanent signing of Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest for about £17m.
- Winger Yann Gboho has joined from Toulouse in a deal worth €12m (£10.3m).
- Awoniyi will wear the number 14 shirt after spending four seasons at Nottingham Forest.
- Coventry visit Manchester City today seeking their first points and goals of the campaign.
Lampard ready to work with settled squad
The Sky Blues have been beaten in both of their opening matches and are yet to find the net, making their return to the top tier a particularly demanding one.
Lampard also highlighted the psychological challenge facing his players, insisting that they must maintain belief and look past the results that have marked the opening weeks of the season.
With Coventry’s transfer activity now complete, the former Chelsea and Manchester City midfielder said he was eager to concentrate fully on developing the group ahead of the trip to Manchester City.
He said the club had faced a substantial amount of work during the summer but was pleased with the players brought in. Lampard added that the squad and coaching staff had enjoyed a positive period together, and that the new arrivals should help preserve that atmosphere as the season develops.
The manager acknowledged that some members of the squad were not yet fully prepared for the campaign. They still need to reach the required fitness level and become familiar with Coventry’s playing style, he said.
Awoniyi and Gboho strengthen Coventry attack
Awoniyi is one of Coventry’s most prominent additions. The Nigeria international has moved from Nottingham Forest on a permanent transfer valued at roughly £17m, having joined Forest from Union Berlin in 2022 and spent the following four seasons at the City Ground.
Lampard identified the striker’s physical and technical qualities as major assets. He views Awoniyi as a forward capable of providing a threat, competing strongly, protecting possession and making runs in behind the defence, while also bringing valuable Premier League experience.
Coventry have additionally completed the arrival of Toulouse winger Yann Gboho, who is related to Paris Saint-Germain and France attacker Désiré Doué. The agreement for the 25-year-old was reached and lodged with the Premier League before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with the transfer worth €12m (£10.3m).
Coventry now head to Manchester City in the Premier League today, attempting to open their account after defeats in their first two fixtures.
