The Coventry Frank Lampard’s boss believes he loss of his latest team’s latest championship in Sunderland was one of the Cruellest moments in his career.
Dan Ballard’s header at the time of the extra time of extra time sent Sunderland to Wembley dramatically, making it 1-1 night and 3-2 in aggregates to set up a championship Play-off final against Sheffield United on May 24th, directly, directly Heavenly.
But it was anger for the chief of Coventry Lampard while the dream of promoting the Premier League of Sky Blues was completed in Wearside.
Asked what the cruel football can be, the former England and Chelsea midfielder said Heavenly: “Yes, this is the biggest example I think I was involved in.
“First, congratulations to Sunderland, they go to the finals. But, I have had tremendous pride in my players, during the two games, we prevailed at home and overcoming great periods of this game.
“Where did we come from, 17 in the league in December, the players have been great in the second half of the season. We are competing with parachute teams in terms of where we end up.
“We came here with absolute bravery to play the way we play. They had to accept us because of the way we played, the way the ladies controlled the game. They didn’t deserve it, the players. I’m much older, I’ve been around a lot, so I got a whip and succeeded.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
A second head by defender Dan Ballard sent the Light Stadium to Pandemonium
“I think I may be a little more balanced in my work, but for those players, they don’t deserve it. So congratulations to Sunderland. We are not bitter, but we were the best team over two football matches. That is absolutely clear. That’s why they will be so happy that they won that football.
“I can’t ask anymore.
“You work with them every day and they get information and they are together in the group even at the end of the field. So you know, football.
“I didn’t have to say much to them because the players were doing it. They owned it in the field. They possessed it until the extra time.
“They owned him the second half. It was as if the crowd was dead quiet. They realized that a team was coming and taking control of their home place.
“It is cruel. But I can’t think of anything but proud of the season and tonight.
Coventry coach Frank Lampard Consoles Jack Rudoni after the semifinal loss of championship Play-off in Sunderland
“We wanted to go to Wembley. But sometimes the gods plot against you in certain ways.
“We want the team to be strengthened. The players have shown what they can do, so they can compete. Fans deserve it at this football club.
“I think they will go home tonight proud of their players, their support. And, yes, I’m just disappointed for them that they don’t get a trip to Wembley.”
Le bris: We will focus on the final from Thursday
Sunderland, meanwhile, remains on the course to end their eight -year exile of the Premier League and will face blades in Wembley for a place in the highest flight.
Boss Black Cats Regis Le Bris says they will turn their attention to wembley’s confrontation later this week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Look at the full-time scenes from the Light Stadium after Sunderland sealed a last place of the championship Sky Bet, thanks to a last Gasp winner against Coventry
He said Heavenly: “On Thursday we will turn on to the finals, safe. So now is a question just to enjoy, recover, and we will light up to the finals very soon.”
The Frenchman said of the dramatic conclusion: “Really really fantastic because the scenario was absolutely extraordinary.
“We were probably very nervous about the first part of the game, and during the extra time I think we were good. We played our football and now it’s just fantastic, so just enjoy now.
Ballard was the Hero of Sunderland
“It was a little frustrating (on the touch line) because we knew in the bench that we could play a better football, but it’s a semifinal at home and with 1-0 before the draw, I think we were between the two attitudes.
“So after the goal, it was clear that now we wanted to score and the game changed.”
Asked what he said in extra time, he replied, “I think we changed our structure because we played with three midfielders at that moment. It was not possible before, and yes, we returned to our way of playing, and I think it was Sunderland at that moment.”
Ballard: Whats it from which dreams become
Sunderland will now play Sheffield United for a place in Premier League
The Sunderland hero, Ballard, scored in the last second of the two add-out minutes of extra time to send the north-east side to Wembley.
Told Northern International Ireland of Ireland Heavenly: “It is what dreams have made, really. Fans today were absolutely extraordinary. It was just feeling like it wouldn’t be our day.
“All the boys were desperate to give them something to celebrate. For what dramatic finals. What is what dreams have made.”
Asked about his purpose, he said, “I got up very early. I was so determined and I don’t remember what happened.
Ballard rose higher from a corner in the last minute of extra time
“Is such a feeling.”
The 25-year-old added: “I was so nervous going to that first match. He has left Chris Mepham outside, who has probably been our best player throughout the season.
“So it was a big phone call and I feel about it. I’m just so happy that Gafa has trusted me, and I hope I repaid it.”
Meanwhile, Ballard’s teammate Luke O’nien said the game was a “blur”, but he felt bad about Coventry.
The Ballard winner lit the jubilee scene at the Light Stadium
He said Heavenly: “I’ve lost for the words. I’m just looking for what this man (Ballard) did for this city. It is’ extraordinary.
“It’s a Coventry loan. It is hard to get. I think it was a hell of a tie, so credit to them and their fans. I’ve been to finish getting a loss in semis, and it was a difficult, but I really liked the game; they are harsh opponents and they would come well.
“It’s been a little unclear for the whole game. I really just remembered the last minute. I saw Ballard ball and all running in different directions.
“I don’t remember the game. To be honest with you. I remember only the last minute.”
Phillips: Sunderland left with but deserves the place in the finals
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sunderland’s legend Kevin Phillips suggested that despite deserved victory over Coventry in Play-Off’s semifinal, Black Cats ‘left with murder’ occasionally at the second foot at the stadium of light
Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips Talking to talk Heavenly:
“Ironically Ironically that Coventry scored mostly from set games and intersections this season, and is a determined game that has cost them. It is cruel, and you saw Frank was bold.
“But it is about getting the chances and Sunderland took their own. We asked at the beginning of the play-off that would be the hero, and Dan Ballard did it.
“I don’t think (Le bris) will change his tactics. It is a big step, it will be red hot, and they will save their energy. Maybe it will get a set game and hit them in the counter.
“Do they deserve to be there? I will say yes. The spirit, hunger and desire they have shown. They needed a little luck and they took it with the second goal down in Coventry.
“They have left with murder tonight occasionally, but it’s football. Now they have to take it to Wembley and put a show against a very good Sheffield United team.”
