Coventry City defender Aurele Amenda is counting down the days to the Premier League kick-off after making his first appearance for the club. The 23-year-old Swiss centre-back played 45 minutes in Saturday's friendly against Espanyol and spoke to BBC CWR about his integration.
"It was a really big pleasure to play here for the first time," Amenda said. "I came here to play in the Premier League and I think the fans are going to be crazy." He described the welcome from players, staff, and fans at the Coventry Building Society Arena as warm and is focused on building his match fitness step by step.
How is Amenda settling in at Coventry?
Amenda joined Coventry City this summer, adding depth to a defensive unit that conceded 58 goals last season. He has immediately felt at home. The intensity of training under manager Frank Lampard has impressed him, and he highlighted the clarity of the coach's plans. Off the pitch, he reports a strong connection with his new teammates, which should aid his adaptation to English football. His next opportunity for minutes is likely in the upcoming friendly against Monaco.
What does Amenda bring to the squad?
The young defender is seen as a prospect for the future who can learn and develop in a top-flight environment. Amenda himself acknowledged the Premier League represents a major step up but is motivated by the trust placed in him. His arrival is part of Coventry's strategy to build a competitive squad for their return to the top division. Supporters can view the full squad profile on our squad page.
What is Coventry City's pre-season schedule?
Preparations are in full swing ahead of the new Premier League season. The match against Espanyol was part of a series of warm-up games designed to build sharpness. The upcoming fixture against French side Monaco presents another valuable test. The full schedule of friendlies and the opening league fixtures can be found on our fixtures page. The club will be aiming to start the season strongly after finishing in a respectable mid-table position last year.
Where does the defence need to improve?
Strengthening at the back has been a priority. Last season, only three teams in the bottom half of the table kept fewer clean sheets than Coventry's seven. Amenda's pace and defensive awareness are attributes the coaching staff will hope can solidify the backline. He will be competing for a starting spot alongside experienced campaigners as the team looks to establish itself in the league. The first official test comes on the weekend of September 12th, when the 2026/27 Premier League campaign gets underway.
