FRANK Lampard insists his Coventry City players must be motivated for every game ahead of a trip to Oxford United this weekend.
The Sky Blues exited the Carabao Cup following a 2-1 defeat at Millwall in midweek.
Weekend opponents Oxford lost 6-0 at home against Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.
However, City remain unbeaten in the league and have scored 12 goals across their last two Championship outings.
And Lampard praised the attitude of his players but admits his side must remain motivated for every single fixture.
Lampard said: “I’m happy [with the start], obviously, because in the league, other than the Hull game which we drew, which we probably should have won.
“We weren’t quite at 100 per cent which can happen, but since then I’ve been happy with performances, the attitude of the players and the feeling around the place.
“It’s just a start. I’m happy with what the players have put in and it’s always about the next game rather than being happy and relying on things that have happened.
“At this point we’re in a good place, but we must stay on guard because we need to be motivated for every single game.”
Oxford have lost all three of their opening league matches with the U’s just one place above bottom side Sheffield United.
However, Lampard is expecting a tough test against Gary Rowett’s side with Oxford seeking their first points of the campaign.
Lampard added: “We never want to lose.
“We made a lot of changes, which is important to do for different reasons and it’s a shame to lose it, but we have to get straight back into the mindset of the league, going into international break.
“It’s going to be a very tough match, and we felt that last season against Oxford, so it’s a challenge again.
“I think they’re a dangerous team who are determined in their nature, who are difficult to break down.
“I expect the best version of Oxford trying to get their first points and so we have to be good.”
Sky Blues boss Lampard also provided an injury update with both Ben Sheaf and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto available for selection again.
However, the game will likely come too soon for Josh Eccles and Joel Latibeaudiere.
Lampard said: “Ben [Sheaf] and Tatsu [Sakamoto] are both fit for selection. Josh [Eccles] is playing for the 21s, which is good news to get minutes.
“So, he’ll get some minutes and be ready after the international break, we hope all being well and Joel [Latibeaudiere] is a bit behind that.”
Coventry travel to Oxford on Saturday, August 30 with kick-off at 3pm at the Kassam Stadium.
