Former Ghana assistant coach and ex-Coventry City first-team coach George Boateng has thrown his support behind the Sky Blues as they prepare for a crucial second-leg clash in the Championship play-off semi-final against Sunderland.
Coventry face a challenging task at the Stadium of Light tonight, trailing 2-1 after last week’s home defeat at the Coventry Building Society Arena. First-half goals from Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda gave Sunderland their first victory over Coventry since 2007.
Despite the setback, Boateng remains optimistic about Coventry’s chances of turning things around and booking a spot in the Premier League.
“Beginning of the season, Sunderland were flying and playing good football with some outstanding young players and scoring goals. Then they had a number of injuries, which made them dip a bit,” he told Flashscore.
“Since Sunderland qualified, they haven’t been in the best shape. I feel like in the playoffs, you can’t just pick your form. You have to be in form going into the playoffs then things happen automatically.”
He added that Coventry have been building that momentum steadily.
“Coventry is in good shape, although they had a difficult start when I was there. They have managed to pick up their performances, and the individual mistakes are a lot less. They deserve to be at the playoffs based on the way they have performed under Frank Lampard,” he added.
Boateng believes Coventry’s recent history in the play-offs could serve as extra motivation, recalling their narrow loss in the 2023 final.
“Hopefully, they are able to go all the way. Two years ago, they lost the play-off final to Luton Town, and I am sure if they get that opportunity for a second time, they will know how to handle such a situation at Wembley.”
As Coventry aim to overturn the deficit, Sunderland will look to maintain their strong record at home, having never lost a home leg in the Football League play-offs. But with Boateng’s vote of confidence and a hungry squad, the Sky Blues are determined to defy the odds and keep their Premier League dream alive.
