"Didn’t see that difference" - Frank Lampard issues Coventry City, Ipswich Town comparison after 4-1 defeat | OneFootball

The Sky Blues boss saw little difference between his side and their Premier League opponents on Saturday.

Coventry City boss Frank Lampard was critical of the errors which cost his side in their FA Cup round four defeat to Ipswich Town on Saturday, and claimed that he didn't see a difference in quality between the Sky Blues and the Tractor Boys on the pitch.

Despite being pleased with his side’s overall performance, Lampard was frustrated by a number of key errors which left his side wondering what could have been.

The Sky Blues gave the Premier League outfit a helping hand on three of their goals in the visitors’ 4-1 victory, bringing an end to their attempts to replicate last season’s remarkable run to the semi-finals.

With their cup dreams over for another year, Coventry return to Championship action as early as Tuesday night, when QPR make the trip to the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Frank Lampard makes Coventry City, Ipswich Town performance claimSaturday’s loss was a frustrating one forCoventryin that, for a few key moments in the game, they became architects of their own downfall.

They found themselves a goal down in just the second minute of the cup tie, after they gave the ball away from their own kick-off at the start of the game.

Despite the errors leaving something of a bitter taste for Lampard, he was pleased with the endeavour shown by his side for the most part, against top flight opposition.

Speaking after the defeat, Lampard said: “I thought the performance was ok. I thought it was a competitive game against a Premier League team.

“I think we probably edged the possession, and chances, maybe we edged it overall. They had better chances, which were predominantly from errors and mistakes from us, which is disappointing. Other than that, I don’t think the scoreline really reflects the game. It’s just a reality for us and that’s how I see it.

“You look at the game and there was some good stuff from us. The way we came out in the second half and kept pushing.

“There were a couple of defensive errors but other than that, it’s probably the clinical nature of them at the top end of the pitch compared to us is a bit different. Other than that, there’s not so much I can complain about really.”

Lampard was also keen to stress that he didn’t feel there was a gulf in quality between the two teams, despite the visitors playing at a higher level than his Coventry side.

“They’re a team who were really strong in the league last year and are now competing in the Premier League, but I didn’t see that difference in the game, personally, other than the scoreline," Lampard added.

"Again, I am not stupid and that’s the reality of it, but big parts of the game I think we can take forward positively.

“We must, as always, look at the errors because some of them I really don’t like, but it is what it is.”

Coventry City will be disappointed at not being able to mount 2023/24-esque FA Cup run

With Saturday’s defeat bringing the Sky Blues’ cup dreams to a close for another season, their attention will turn back to the league for the remainder of the season.

Coventry are one of several sides who will surely harbour play-off ambitions, and their upturn in form under Lampard certainly has them in with a chance.

They now sit just four points behind Blackburn Rovers in the final top six spot and are among a big group of teams ready to pounce on the opportunity, should Rovers slip up.

Despite there being an exciting end to the season on the cards for the Midlands outfit, there will surely be a bit of disappointment that they have been unable to replicate their cup exploits from last season.

The second tier side enjoyed an extraordinary run that carried them all the way to the semi-finals last term.

A late comeback at Molineux saw them down Wolves in the q​uarter​-final, setting up a tie with giants Manchester United under the Wembley arch.

The Sky Blues came from 3-0 down to force extra-time, before eventually losing on penalties in typically gut-wrenching fashion.

While the FA Cup is unlikely to have been a priority for Lampard and his men this season, there will surely be a feeling of disappointment that they haven’t had chance to re-live the heroics of 2023/24.