FRANK Lampard admits Coventry City feel like a ‘stronger team’ this season ahead of facing Stoke City this weekend.
The Sky Blues head into the clash off the back of three straight victories following a come-from-behind midweek win at Sheffield United.
Coventry find themselves five points clear at the top of the Championship table.
And Lampard insists the Sky Blues cannot relax after reestablishing their lead at the top of the standings.
Lampard said: “We work through the year and football brings you different challenges all the way through.
“There’s good energy in the group, good organisation and good feeling, it’s been positive.
“There’s a lot of pressure from the outside and a lot of scrutiny on players. For us it’s just about continuing the work.
“The team have grown this season and in the year we’ve been together. I feel it’s a stronger team and a stronger group in a better place.
“We’ve shown that resilient side of us. We’re always a work in progress. The minute you relax, you can lose that.”
Coventry’s return to form has coincided with the arrival of Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka who has started each of City’s last three matches.
And while Lampard heaped praise on the on-loan midfielder, the Sky Blues boss also acknowledged the collective work of Coventry’s engine room this season.
Lampard added: “We brought him in for a reason. He’s a different profile to what we had. He’s really helped us.
“I don’t want to forget the midfield that won so many games earlier in the season either and that’s important.
“A lot of players in this group really helped and there’s a reason why we’re top of the league.
“Now the competition is even higher and that’s what we need if we want to try and get to where we want to get to.”
Coventry host Stoke on Saturday, February 28 with kick-off at 3pm at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
