'I am not afraid of anything' – Dino Toppmöller sets out his vision for RC Lens
Dino Toppmöller has wasted little time putting his stamp on RC Lens. Appointed as Pierre Sage’s successor this summer, the German coach arrives in Artois determined to build on the club’s recent success while introducing his own ideas.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt boss has immediately emphasised intensity on the training pitch, particularly when it comes to pressing and counter-pressing. Speaking to L’Équipe, Toppmöller explained that he wants his players to quickly understand exactly what he expects from them.
“At Lens, intensity is our DNA, that’s for sure, and we have to respect that,” he said. “For me, intensity is non-negotiable, but I also want to put good football in place.”
Developing the next generation
That philosophy goes beyond results. Toppmöller sees individual development as an essential part of his role, an approach which fits naturally with a Lens side renowned for improving players before allowing them to take the next step.
The 45-year-old pointed to the progress made by Willian Pacho, Hugo Ekitike and Omar Marmoush during his spell at Frankfurt, while young Lens defender Kyllian Antonio is already among those he hopes to help progress.
“I want to win, but the most important thing is the progression of the player,” Toppmöller explained. “If he becomes better, the team will become better too.”
“I’m not afraid of anything”
Toppmöller takes charge following a landmark campaign under Sage, but the weight of succeeding a Coupe de France-winning coach is not something that concerns him.
“I’m not afraid of anything, I try to do even better,” he said, while stressing that success should not only be measured by trophies.
Lens will also return to the UEFA Champions League this season, bringing the challenge of a match every three days. For Toppmöller, however, that represents an opportunity.
“We want to show that Lens are not in the Champions League by chance.”
A new era is beginning at Bollaert-Delelis, but its guiding principles already feel very familiar: intensity, ambition and the development of talent.
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