'Lampard cheered, but Yang Min-hyeok was not there' Despite Coventry's first title in 58 years, Yang Min-hyeok remains excluded from the lineup for 13 consecutive matches... "Was it a misguided loan decision?"

*This content was translated by AI.

Despite Coventry City's first title in 59 years, Yang Min-hyeok (20) could not smile. He has been completely ignored, failing to step onto the pitch for 13 consecutive matches.

On the 22nd (Korean time), Coventry secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Portsmouth in the 44th round of the 2025-26 English Championship (second division) at the Building Society Arena in Coventry, England.

In the Championship, the top two teams among the 24th clubs advance directly to the English Premier League (EPL). Teams finishing third through sixth compete in the playoffs for the final promotion spot.

Having already secured at least second place in the Blackburn match and achieving direct promotion to the EPL for the first time in 25 years, Coventry lifted the championship trophy with this victory.

With 89 points (26 wins, 11 draws, 7 losses) this season, Coventry has reached the summit of the league, repelling the challenge from second-place Millwall (79 points) regardless of the outcomes of the remaining two matches. This marks their first Championship title in 59 years since the 1966-67 season.

Coventry experienced ups and downs, dropping to the fourth division (League Two) in the 2017-18 season, but achieved successive promotions from the following season and established themselves 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 guided the team to the promotion playoffs last season and confirmed their potential, Lampard maintained a stable squad from the start of this season to secure early promotion.

In an interview with the UK's Sky Sports immediately after the Blackburn match, Manager Lampard stated, "This promotion certainly stands shoulder to shoulder with the titles I have experienced." He continued, "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 tearful eyes during the interview, he added, "Achieving promotion with this team in these circumstances is an achievement that exceeded expectations. I do not wish to diminish the players' contributions. They improved their skills through sheer effort, and I am proud to be their manager."

When the final whistle blew, Manager Lampard and the players simultaneously enjoyed the dual joy of promotion and championship victory.

However, Yang Min-hyeok could not fully share in this glory. After loaning from Tottenham to Coventry in the second half of this season, he played only 29 minutes across the first three matches and was subsequently excluded from the matchday squad for 13 consecutive games. Even though Coventry secured their historic title on this day, Yang was not granted any playing time.

Considering that Yang Min-hyeok made a solid contribution during his first-half loan spell at Portsmouth with 15 appearances, three goals, and one assist, his current status as an outsider in Coventry's plans feels even more regrettable.

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*This content was translated by AI.