It was no secret that Frank Lampard was eager for Haji Wright to return to full fitness for Coventry City.
Only two games before the new head coach was named Mark Robins’ replacement, the Sky Blues’ top scorer sustained a catastrophic ankle injury. Since then, he has had to wait over four months to play in a City shirt.
And after carefully introducing the USA international with two cameos off the bench against Oxford and Stoke, he was given his first ninety minutes against Derby before making a spectacular comeback with a hat-trick to defeat Sunderland, a performance Lampard claimed to ‘enjoy’.
While Wright has been out, the City manager has had a significant impact on his inherited team. During this time, a number of players have demonstrated a noticeable increase in their performance and form, and the coach has taken the time to get to know each player and give them confidence.
“He doesn’t say so much but that’s him, he’s laid back and a really nice lad,” Lampard remarked when asked how he got to know Wright when he was out injured and how he found him in terms of character. He is a pleasure to deal with and shows up for work doing anything you ask of him.
It’s not necessary for my guys to speak a lot. While some do, others do not. Haji is naturally laid back, but he wasn’t relaxed on the pitch against Sunderland. And I must admit that his movement and the way he earned the penalty were both really impressive.
“I have enjoyed working with him,” he continued. I’ve taught him tidbits of knowledge, but for a player with his skill level, sometimes it’s the freedom he may have by simply acting out his game actions.
“I’m happy as long as he does well off the ball and in transition, which he did (against Sunderland).” I really enjoyed his performance because he can play like that, rush into space, hold it up, and move with it.
Earlier in the season, Wright was criticised for not tracking back sufficiently to assist with defensive duties while playing wide on the left. He has been used as an either-or option with Ephron Mason-Clark since he recovered, but during his 18 months at the club, his most successful performance in a City shirt was playing a key offensive role against the Black cats.
Lampard responded, “I think I haven’t worked with Haji long enough,” when asked if he likes Wright on left or through middle. Although I am well aware of his qualities and his past performances for the team, every manager may have different expectations for him both on and off the pitch.
I must take those factors into account, but he is undoubtedly capable of performing both jobs. And occasionally, it will depend on how well he fits in with the team and the other staff members. However, there is no denying that he is a vital member of this squad and team, thus we will do everything in our power to support him.
