Lampard urges winless Coventry to keep faith before Nottingham Forest trip

Frank Lampard has called on Coventry City to maintain their belief as they prepare for Saturday’s Premier League visit to Nottingham Forest, with the promoted side still seeking both their first point and first goal of the campaign.

Coventry have been beaten in each of their opening four league fixtures and have yet to score in the top flight. Their difficult start continued in midweek when Aston Villa eliminated them from the Carabao Cup.

Coventry facing difficult Forest trip

1. Coventry travel to the City Ground on Saturday after four consecutive Premier League defeats.
2. The Sky Blues have not scored in those four matches, adding pressure ahead of another demanding away fixture.
3. Wednesday’s cup defeat to Aston Villa ended their Carabao Cup involvement and left Lampard’s squad with little time to reset before facing Forest.

Lampard said his players must not allow the run of results to affect their approach on the training ground.

“We have to remain positive because that is football,” Lampard said. “We have been fortunate here for a period to win plenty of games. When that stops, it becomes harder for everyone, because winning is why we are here and what we want to achieve.

“It is natural at times to feel low, but we have to concentrate on the work required, keep improving and find results.”

Awoniyi suspension adds to Lampard’s concerns

Lampard will be without leading forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who is suspended for the Forest match. Coventry also fear defender Aurèle Amenda could be absent for a period after suffering a suspected calf problem.

Several senior players remain weeks away from returning to full fitness, leaving Lampard with a reduced group for the trip to Nottingham. The manager believes the approaching international break can help address that situation.

1. Coventry will play a behind-closed-doors fixture during the international window.
2. The match is intended to help manage players’ physical condition and build match sharpness.
3. Lampard hopes the break will allow injured and recovering squad members to move closer to availability before Premier League action resumes.

“We will manage it physically,” Lampard said of the planned closed-door game. “But the chance to get players fit is a positive for us.”