25/26 Preview #6: Lille OSC
last season
Lille made a managerial change during the off-season, bringing in the experienced Bruno Génésio. The former Rennes manager achieved some sensational results in the Champions League, notably wins against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. However, LOSC failed to qualify for next season's competition. They finished fifth, behind fourth-placed Nice only on goal difference. Despite a wealth of exciting attacking options, it was their defensive solidity that really stood out; only PSG finished the Ligue 1 McDonald's season with a better defensive record than Les Dogues.
the coach: Bruno Génésio
Genesio replaced Paulo Fonseca last summer. The Frenchman has a vast experience in Ligue 1 McDonald's, having managed nearly 150 games and with an average points-per-game of 1.8. The former Rennes and Lyon manager, known for his exploits with French sides in European competition, is an adaptable manager who likes to work to the strengths of his players, whilst also looking to adapt his game plan, depending on his opponent and their style of play. At Lille, he has often liked to deploy his side in a 4-2-3-1, although with some high-profile departures, that could change during the coming season.
key arrivals
The biggest name to arrive at Lille is France's all-time record goalscorer, Olivier Giroud. The former Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan, and Montpellier forward arrives on a free transfer. Back in Ligue 1 McDonald's for the first time in 13 years, Giroud will lead the line for Lille and will look to add to the 33 goals that he has already netted in the competition. He is joined by some young prosepcts. Félix Coreira has joined from Gil Vicente; he is currently the most expensive signing of Lille's window. Marius Broholm and Nathan Ngoy have also arrived. The latter has joined from Standard Liège in Belgium. Les Dogues have a strong track record when it comes to bringing players across the border from Belgium and Ngoy will look to continue that trend.
key departures
Lille were expected to lose some of their star players this summer and that has come to pass. Jonathan David and Angel Gomes have both left on free transfers. The former has joined Juventus, with the latter joining Marseille. Rémy Cabella has also left upon the expiry of his contract, as have Ismaily, Samuel Umtiti, and Vito Mannone. Defender Gabriel Gudmundsson, who has joined Leeds United, is the other big-name departure in what has been a busy summer of outgoings at Lille.
remember when...
Lille, founded back in 1944, have a rich history, and are regulars in European competition, having participated in the Champions League on nine occasions. They also have a rich recent history in Ligue 1 McDonald's, having won the league back in 2021. It was a star-studded side that included the likes of Tiago Djálo, José Fonte, Jonathan Bamba, Jonathan David, Jonathan Ikoné, and Yusuf Yazici. The side, constructed by Luís Campos, now at PSG, and former manager of Les Parisiens, Christophe Galtier, upset the odds to dethrone PSG and pull off one of the greatest feats in Ligue 1 McDonald's in recent years.
cult hero: eden hazard
Lille are a club known for their academy and development of talent. There is arguably no greater export than Eden Hazard. The Belgian came across the border to integrate LOSC's prestigious academy and dazzled during the early stages of his career and endeared himself to the Lille faithful. He made nearly 200 appearances, netting 50 goals and registering 53 assists, before landing his big-money move to Chelsea back in 2012. He received a rapturous reception from the Lille crowd when he returned to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, post-retirement, back in March 2024, and he remains to this day one of the most technically gifted players to have ever graced Ligue 1 McDonald's.
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