FRANK Lampard has rallied around Milan van Ewijk after the defender’s late error saw Coventry City slip to a first leg defeat against Sunderland in their play-off semi-final.
The full-back’s short backpass allowed Eliezer Mayenda to put Sunderland back in front after Jack Rudoni cancelled out Wilson Isidor’s strike earlier in the second half at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
However, the Dutchman set-up Rudoni’s equaliser before making the error which led to Sunderland’s winner.
Van Ewijk appeared visibly upset on the pitch at full time with his teammates consoling him after the final whistle.
Coventry supporters sang his name affectionately as he showed his appreciation to the Sky Blues faithful at full time.
Van Ewijk has made 50 appearances for Coventry in all competitions this season and Lampard praised van Ewijk’s overall contribution to the club’s campaign.
Lampard said: “I’ll speak to him, it’s football, he’s been brilliant for us this season.
“He’s been absolutely amazing, he plays every game and has had a fantastic season for us.
“Mistakes happen in football.”
Midfielder Matt Grimes insists the Sky Blues will pick van Ewijk’s mood up ahead of the second leg.
Van Ewijk has scored two goals and provided three assists from right-back this season.
And Grimes believes the Dutchman is one of the Championship’s best in his position in the division.
Grimes added: “Milan is an unbelievable player; he has been brilliant for us this season.
“He plays near enough every game and he is one of the best right-backs in the league in my opinion, but mistakes happen in football.
“We will pick him up, no problem at all.
“We have got such a good group, such a good camaraderie so we will all be together and get on and fully focus on the second leg.”
Coventry travel to Sunderland in the second leg of their play-off semi-final on Tuesday, May 13 with kick-off at 8pm at the Stadium of Light.
