'Even if Yang Min-hyeok was ignored, I am the promoted manager' Lampard choked up during interview: "As happy as winning UCL and EPL, proud of the players"

*This content was translated by AI.

Frank Lampard (48), the manager who led Coventry City back to the English Premier League (EPL) for the first time in 25 years, finally shed tears.

On the 18th (Korean time), Coventry drew 1-1 in an away match against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in Blackburn, England, in the 43rd round of the 2025~2026 English Championship (second division).

With 86 points (25 wins, 11 draws, 7 losses), Coventry secured promotion by extending their lead over second-place Millwall to 10 points with only three league matches remaining. This marks Coventry's return to the dream EPL stage for the first time in 25 years since their relegation to the second division in 2001.

Coventry experienced ups and downs, even dropping to the fourth division (League Two) during the 2017~2018 season, but they were promoted step by step from the following season and settled in the Championship.

In particular, Lampard's leadership proved crucial after he took charge in November 2024 when the team was in the relegation zone. Having confirmed the team's potential by reaching the promotion play-offs last season, Lampard maintained a stable squad from the start of this season and secured early promotion.

Global football specialist Goal.com reported that "Manager Lampard has led Coventry back to the first division. He appears deeply moved by this achievement."

It further reported that "Sky Blues (Coventry's nickname) has suffered severe decline for a long time. Coventry has ended its long period of pain, and 'Super Frank' Lampard celebrated enthusiastically with players and fans during the away match against Blackburn."

In an interview with UK Sky Sports, Manager Lampard said, "This promotion is certainly on par with the championships I have experienced." He added, "I was fortunate to play as part of the great Chelsea team. Winning the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and the EPL was truly an incredible achievement."

With reddened eyes during the interview, he added, "Achieving promotion with this team in this situation exceeded expectations. I do not want to diminish the players' contributions. They improved their skills through pure effort, and I am proud to be their manager."

Meanwhile, Yang Min-hyeok, who left Tottenham and joined Coventry on loan during the winter transfer window, did not step onto the pitch again today. Although he was used as a substitute resource immediately after joining, he was excluded from the matchday squad for 12 consecutive matches after making just one minute of appearance in the Oxford match in February, effectively being classified as outside the team's plans.

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*This content was translated by AI.