The Sky Blues looked edgy, something boss Frank Lampard picked up on — and he says it needs addressing quickly.
“We always knew this season would be very different to the last, but I sensed a nervous edge — choosing the safe ball instead of playing forward,” he said. “Maybe that’s just apprehension.
“I don’t want that used as an excuse. Last week you could argue it, given the quality of the opposition, the occasion, 25 years away and a lot of debuts. Today, we can’t lean on that.
“We were up against a side we faced twice last year and finished well above. The Premier League adds a sharper edge and we have to adapt to that — quickly.
“The lesson is not to expect anything in this league. Whether this becomes a mental setback is up to us. There are 36 games left and we’re only two in — it’s about how you respond to defeats.”
Ashley Williams feels the loss will dent Coventry’s confidence.
The former Wales captain, promoted to the Premier League with Swansea in 2011, knows how significant early psychological blows can be.
“They tore through the Championship last season and came into this campaign brimming with belief. But after two defeats, everything suddenly gets tougher,” he told BBC’s Final Score.
“Players look at the table, and it’s not pleasant being near the bottom. Right away they’ll notice they’re already six points behind Hull — that really stings.
“Those small doubts creep in, so they need to get to work and fix it fast — and I’m sure Frank Lampard will. However, an away trip to Manchester City next is far from ideal.”