Coventry City midfielder Jack Rudoni has described manager Frank Lampard as the "perfect" mentor, crediting the former Chelsea star's guidance as he aims to make his mark in the Premier League.
Rudoni, 25, grew up idolising Lampard and has flourished under his stewardship in the West Midlands. The former AFC Wimbledon player has featured in every league game this season and was part of the side that secured Coventry's first top-flight victory in 25 years, beating Nottingham Forest at the City Ground before the international break.
A Boyhood Dream Realised
Having joined from Huddersfield two years ago, Rudoni has now made almost 100 appearances for the Sky Blues. He is looking forward to Newcastle's visit to the Coventry Building Society Arena on Monday night and hopes working under Lampard can elevate his career.
"As a midfield player and Chelsea fan growing up, there is probably no one better to learn from [than Frank]," Rudoni said. "He was one of my idols growing up – I'd only ever seen him on the TV before, so it was amazing to meet him for the first time, work with him last season and now in the Premier League."
"He's great on the training ground, always teaching me little bits and pieces and things to improve on. He's a great coach and perfect mentor," he added.
Learning Quickly in the Top Flight
Coventry endured a difficult start to the season, failing to register a point or a goal in their opening four games. However, Jay Dasilva's strike at Nottingham Forest sparked celebrations in the away end and gave Lampard's side their first win.
Rudoni, who has started four of the club's five league matches, acknowledged the tough beginning but believes the team are improving. "It's been a really good experience and good learning so far. Results haven't been what we wanted but you can see game by game we've got better and better," he said.
"The Nottingham Forest game really came together and was a really solid performance away from home – it was a really big win for us. We needed the first goal – not getting one for the first four games was frustrating, and we'd come close a few times. That's given us a lot of confidence – we know we can get results in this league."
Newcastle visit on Monday, followed by a trip to bottom-of-the-table Tottenham a week later. Rudoni remains focused on the challenge ahead, saying: "When I'm out there, it's just 11 versus 11 and I'm in the moment against the opposition. I don't really care who it is – I just want to go out there and beat them."
He added: "It was a great win and great moment for us – but it doesn't stop now and we need to go and get more results."
