Championship leaders Coventry City this week welcomed F1 Haas to the club’s Ryton training ground, complete with the team racing car which the players took turns to sit in.

Organised because Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu is an avid Sky Blues fan since he moved from Japan to study at university in the city as a young man, it provided a lighter and more relaxed moment for Frank Lampard’s squad away from the pressure of gaining promotion.

The players have just seven games to get over the finishing line, starting with the Easter programme at home to Derby County on Good Friday (8pm) before a trip to Hull on Bank Holiday Monday (also 8pm) – both opponents pushing for the play-offs.

The chequered flag is in sight as the Midlands club looks to return to the Premier League after a 25 year absence.

“It’s the last lap, the last hurdle or last whatever you want to call it but it doesn’t always work the way you want,” said the confident head coach, with a hint of caution.

“At the risk of sounding repetitive, we will focus on Derby because every game’s a challenge. They are fighting for what they want and we want to win football matches. We know what it is now. We know what we want to do, what we need to do, so only worry about the one in front of you.”

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Being physically and tactically in tune is obviously hugely important in any game, but asked if this close to the 46-game race a lot of it is to do with what’s between players’ ears and how they deal with the mental pressure, Lampard said: “Absolutely, and I think in all three parts that have been mentioned they are right. Physically, we’re better than when we first came to the club. The lads work really hard and they’re more robust, fitter and stronger.

“I think tactically, as well, we know what we want to do and we have to adapt sometimes for opposition. But with stronger teams in a league, which we’ve proved ourselves to be, there are some things that you know that they do, and we do do that. So trust in that.

“And of course the other side, and maybe the most important side, is our mental approach, our confidence in what we’re doing, our determination to do things right, to train right, to prepare right and to be right. And I’ve got confidence in this group because they’ve shown me that they do that much more often than not. And that’s a real testament to the consistency that they’ve produced.”

He added: “Everyone will talk about it but let’s use that positively because people are looking at us and our league position and what may be etc. We need to be very focussed on what we have and, as I say, these lads have shown me that through the season.”

Coventry City midfielder Jack Rudoni chats with F1 Haas Team Principal and Sky Blues fan Ayao Komatsu on a visit to the club’s Ryton training ground

Lampard enjoyed a glittering playing career, winning everything in the game with Chelsea. Asked how he handled the mental side of it when it got to this stage of the season, he said: “I don’t like think there’s a written rule.

“At times I was excited because it’s exciting to be where we are as an individual and as a team. And I think these boys are like that. And then there are moments when it really kicks in how important the games are and what’s on them and stuff like that.

“And then I think it’s just your mechanisms are kicking. We’ve done it a lot this season already; keep doing the good things that we do. If we control that part of our performance and approach then hopefully the results will look after themselves. Football doesn’t change, as such.”

He added: “The other thing is trying to stay pretty calm and just continue. I’ve been there before and it’s hard to pick what emotions you have to focus on any one day. We just have to stay on it.”

Striking a balance between being relaxed but also having that edge to when it comes to crossing the white line is clearly important, hence this week’s F1 visit.

“It’s quite easy in a way,” said the 47-year-old. “We’re paid to do our job and we love doing what we do. You work really hard out there for an hour and a half a day, or you’re in the gym or you prep and you maintain yourself. And the lads can have fun and they can enjoy the moment.

“I’m very, very keen on that balance. This is not a boot camp, this is something we’re privileged to do. So keep doing that because this is better than being in a relegation battle, because I’ve been in one. This is better than lots of other scenarios, like being mid-table with not much to play for. This is a great thing so take that challenge in a good way.”

Coventry City’s Japanese winger Tatsuhiro Sakamoto sits in a F1 Haas racing car

As for a message to the fans, many of whom are embracing the situation amid plenty of anxiety and nerves until their team win the ultimate prize, Lampard chuckled: “I think they’re embracing it pretty well. That’s my feeling.

“Anxiety is part of football and you wouldn’t enjoy it if you didn’t have the anxious moments for the great moments to be great.

“I know this club has had a lot of difficult moments so that’s why we are, not absolutely unique, but this is a pretty unique situation in terms of how many years this club has been out of the top league, where it has been down to and come back up. I am aware of all of that, so if they can enjoy it in the moment we will try and do our jobs.”

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