Preview #7: RC Lens
We continue our preview series with a look at last season's runners-up, RC Lens. A new manager and a host of new players give Le Sang et Or a fresh look, but there's plenty of reason for optimism.
Last season:
Having run Paris Saint-Germain close for much of the season, and even having been top as late as Matchday 23, Lens ultimately fell short of a shock league win, but (almost) made up for it by taking home the Coupe de France, their first major trophy in more than two decades. Led by outstanding performances from what had been a seemingly motley collection of veterans, including a resurgent Florian Thauvin as well as young goalkeeper Robin Risser, RC Lens were far and away the division's surprise package.
The coach: DINO Toppmöller
Despite a frustrating exit from Eintracht Frankfurt, a club where he built on the success of Adi Hütter and Oliver Glasner, Toppmöller looks to be a fine fit at Lens. The German won't play his football at quite the same high-octane level as his predecessor, Pierre Sage, but if Sunday's defensive masterclass against one of the world's top sides is anything by which to go, his hammer-and-tongs approach may just be rewarded with as much success.
Key arrivals
Few clubs in Europe, never mind France, have seen as much churn as Lens this season, who saw a half-dozen regulars depart. Much like last season, Sporting Director Jean-Louis Leca has been cautious with his purchases, adding a mix of experience and potential whilst turning a tidy profit. Thorgan Hazard -- a former academy product -- is probably the most recognizable name, and he'll look to be a key part of the attack, but the likes of Yacine Titraoui, Franjo Ivanovic and former Marseille midfielder Michaël Cuisance all should be vital to Toppmöller's approach.
Key departures
Where to start? While Thauvin has stayed, many of the fresh faces who joined him last season have gone after only a brief spell at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Midfielder Mamadou Sangaré is chief among these, but canny veterans like Malang Sarr, Adrien Thomasson, Wesley Saïd (who enjoyed a career-best season), and Allan Saint-Maximin will be sorely missed as well.
remember when...
Only once has a Ligue 1 title come down to goal difference -- in 1997/98. Lens and Metz both finished on 68 points, but Lens, who boasted a team that included the likes of Frédéric Déhu, Vladimir Smicer and Tony Vairelles, had a five-goal improvement on Les Grenats. Led by Daniel Leclercq, a former defender who spent two seasons at the helm of the Club, winning a trophy in each, this season represented the culmination of the team's finest hour.
cult hero: Éric Sikora
Having made more than 500 appearances for Le Sang et Or, Sikora is a legend among legends. Only four players have made more appearances for the same club in France, and even if his performances only resulted in a pair of titles -- one league crown and one Coupe de la Ligue title, there's little doubting his firm status as a key element of the club's history. Now an assistant to Toppmöller, he'll be an even more vital link to the past given the recent churn.
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