Frank Lampard urges promoted Coventry to embrace Premier League challenge

Frank Lampard has challenged Coventry City to play without fear when the promoted club begins its Premier League campaign away to Arsenal on Friday. The Guardian reported that Coventry's visit to the reigning champions will be their first top-flight match in 25 years, following their Championship title success four months ago.

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Lampard said he does not want his players to leave the match regretting either their approach or their effort. While acknowledging Arsenal's quality and the higher standard Coventry now face, he stressed that respect for the opposition must not make his team passive. He wants the squad to show the mentality and commitment needed to compete at this level.

Coventry have invested about £130 million in their squad during the summer, according to The Guardian, and their recruitment has placed a clear emphasis on physical attributes. Six of the club's eight signings are at least six feet tall. The group includes Caleb Yirenkyi, signed for a club-record £26 million, and 6-foot-6 Switzerland centre-back Aurèle Amenda.

The latest arrival is 19-year-old striker Sidiki Cherif, who joined from Fenerbahce on Wednesday. The Guardian reported that Coventry are also thought to be seeking a left-back before the transfer window closes. That remains a reported target rather than a completed deal.

Lampard said physicality, running capacity and size are important parts of competing in the Premier League, particularly for the type of team Coventry may need to become. He added that set pieces were taken seriously during recruitment. His comments explain why the club has added height as well as spending heavily before its return to the division.

The 48-year-old manager also believes earlier spells in the Premier League have left him better prepared for this campaign. Lampard, who last managed in the competition during a temporary stint at Chelsea three years ago, said he now handles the highs and lows of management more evenly. He signed a new three-year Coventry contract at the end of June and will begin that term with one of the division's most demanding away fixtures.