View: A devastating blow to Sakamoto could have turned Coventry City’s fortunes
Sakamoto’s summer transfer from Oostende caught the attention of many Sky Blue supporters, and after settling in, the winger delivered several outstanding performances.
He had a fantastic Christmas break, scoring five goals in four games for his new team, including a brace against Sheffield Wednesday that he repeated at the Riverside six days later.
He maintained his form into the new year and forged close relationships with Ellis S, Callum O’Hare, immsHaji Wright, and other in-form forwards for Coventry.
Coventry had overcome their early season difficulties and had only suffered three losses since early November, aided by their in-form forwards.
However, it all came crashing down for Sakamoto and the Sky Blues on a Friday night match against Preston, as the international stumbled after an aerial challenge with Andrew Hughes of North End.
Regretfully, the 27-year-old missed the remainder of the season due to a serious back injury.
“He’s been brilliant, and he needed a rest, there is no doubt because when you come into English football with games every five minutes they aren’t used to it,” Mark Robins said about Sakamoto in an interview with Coventry Live a few days later, dealing a huge blow to Sakamoto’s supporters. It added to the fact that he was wailing for a break and I was unable to provide it. Your judgment may be clouded by fatigue, if you are not thinking clearly.
