soccer

Lampard keeping players grounded says Latibeaudiere

Yahoo Sports

Sky Blues defender Joel Latibeaudiere insists it is "one step at a time" as they close in on a return to the Premier League.

Coventry City defender Joel Latibeaudiere says manager Frank Lampard is keeping the players "grounded" as they edge nearer to a Premier League return. Easter Monday's goalless draw at rivals Hull City leaves the Championship leaders 12 points clear with five games to play. Due to their vastly superior goal difference, a home win over relegated Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday would all but seal a place in the top flight for the first time in 25 years.

"Our goal is always take one step at a time, and that's how we've approached it throughout the year," said Latibeaudiere. "I think the staff and the gaffer (Lampard) have been massive keeping us grounded and keeping us working hard in training. "As I said, mathematically it isn't there.

The boys are just focusing on winning as many games as possible, and ending the season as strong as possible. " Monday's draw brought a 15th clean sheet of the season for the Sky Blues' on-loan Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth , and his defence. "Rushy's been a massive player for us this season," added defender Latibeaudiere.

"He should be on more clean sheets in my opinion. "And to get a clean sheet is more than a goal for a defender, so we're always happy about that and for Rushy. "It was a hard-earned point.