Frank Lampard said Victor Torp has made a big impression on him since taking charge of Coventry after the Danish midfielder’s brace earned in-form City a 2-1 win over Watford.
The Dane, who joined Coventry a year ago, opened the scoring in the first half when he got on the end of Jack Rudoni’s cross before thumping home a free-kick to make it 2-0 in the second half.
Liam Kitching’s own goal gave Watford hope, but the Hornets were unable to force an equaliser as Coventry celebrated a third win in a week.
Lampard said of 25-year-old Torp: “His all-round game in these last few games since we’ve been in is growing and growing and he’s low maintenance, he doesn’t get above himself and he’s a very, very good player, so it’s rightly his day today.
“When I came into the job I knew of him, I’d watched games coming in, you never know until you’re close up but he’s really, really impressed me from day one.
“It’s normal to take time in the Championship coming over here mid-season and trying to get a foot in, understand the speed and aggressive nature of the game from the league he was playing in before, and now he’s adapted to that he’s showing even more qualities I think and he’s a really important player for us.”
Coventry rounded off the perfect week after home victories against Bristol City and Watford sandwiched an impressive win against Blackburn at Ewood Park in midweek.
Lampard added: “Really happy with the week. Three tough games, they all are, but to win against Bristol City and Watford at home and go to Blackburn inbetween is a good effort from the group.
“Big mentality from everybody, working hard, there’s a good feeling and there’s a good spirit in the stadium as well as on the pitch and we’ve worked towards that.
“I hate to get complacent but you should enjoy it when you have a week like this, you should enjoy it tonight and understand what’s got us to this sort of week and try to continue it.”
Watford boss Tom Cleverley reflected on a tough week as his side suffered their sixth defeat in eight in all competitions after the Hornets issued a statement earlier in the week dismissing reports the former Manchester United midfielder was about to be replaced.
“I always got into this role because of my passion of developing football players,” said Cleverley. “I feel like in the last couple of weeks that’s not been the main part of my job, which I have to accept, it’s the industry I am in and there’s always going to be speculation with poor results.
“I have still managed to focus on the team and prepare the team. I am obviously disappointed with today’s result but I’m hoping the next 48 hours will be less turbulent.
“I am never relaxed on a match day but to have the backing (of Watford hierarchy) means that I can do what I feel that I am good at, which is focus on preparing the team.
“I was pleased with the statement; I’m ready to roll my sleeves up and get through this tough period that we’re getting through as a club.
“I feel that I am the right person to do that. The statement obviously calmed speculation and hopefully that’s the end of that, and I can really focus on the team in what’s an important period for us.”
