Frank Lampard explains FA Cup approach as Coventry’s winless run continues

Frank Lampard downplayed his side’s FA Cup exit as Championship leaders Coventry’s winless run extended to four matches with a 1-0 defeat to Stoke.

Lamine Cisse settled the third-round tie with a stunning 88th-minute strike Lampard described as a “wonder goal”.

It means Coventry have lost three and drawn one of their last four games but, with a six-point advantage at the top of the second tier, Lampard’s attention is fully on reaching the Premier League.

“Our focus is clear,” said the Sky Blues boss, who made eight changes to the side beaten by Birmingham.

“I wouldn’t have said we would have dreamed about our position now but to be in this position, it’s testament to the hard work the whole squad has put into this point.

“Of course, we wanted to win the game. The FA Cup is a beautiful, beautiful thing. I know it, I have won it.

“But the reality for teams fighting at the top of the Championship, it is very clear what we want and what we need to do.”

Stoke spurned a raft of first-half chances while Coventry hit the post twice in the second.

Million Manhoef and Divin Mubama wasted Stoke’s best chances in the opening period while Haji Wright and Jack Rudoni struck Tommy Simkin’s left hand upright in the second period.

But with the game heading for extra time 22-year-old Cisse netted a memorable first goal for the club from 30 yards.

And Stoke manager Mark Robins – who led Coventry to the semi-final of the FA Cup in 2024 – believes the moment can become the French prospect’s springboard to a fulfilling career at the club.

“I am pleased he showed the confidence to take it on,” said Robins after Stoke made it a hat-trick of wins and clean sheets in 2026.

“He has the ability to do that. As soon as it left his boot you knew it was sailing over the keeper’s head.

“You saw the outpouring of emotion from him. He has waited for an opportunity and will have felt a little hard done by.

“But it does work both ways because they have got to show something to gain something.

“I had a conversation with him a few weeks ago and from that point I have given him more opportunity. He has responded well.

“He is more than good enough and it should give him confidence to push on and become the player he will be for us quicker.”