RC Lens play down new status after double triumph and Champions League return | OneFootball

Lens start the Ligue 1 season carrying a different public perception after finishing runners-up, lifting the Coupe de France 3-1 against Nice and the Trophée des Champions 1-0 against Paris Saint-Germain, plus a Champions League return. The hierarchy, however, reject talk of a new status.

Benjamin Parrot, speaking to La Voix du Nord, said: "We are more scrutinised, but we are not here to give an image. Since 2020 the objective is top 8 and it does not change."

Sporting director Jean-Louis Leca said people may think Lens have changed status after beating Paris, but the club is 120 years old and has played the Champions League four times. "We are not a Champions League club, and a final placing alone will not define a good season."

Lens have also changed coach, appointing Dino Toppmöller after Pierre Sage, and questions remain over the level of summer 2026 recruitment.

Leca said finishing eighth would still count as success if the academy advances, youngsters join Toppmöller’s team, a boy like Mezian (Mesloub) steps up, staff work in harmony and infrastructure improves. After 26 years without silverware before last season, he wants to shorten the wait to the next trophy.

Toppmöller said he avoids early-season targets, though the squad want European football. Leca likes that ambition, while acknowledging Lens are not at Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Monaco, Strasbourg or Paris FC’s level, and he felt the Trophée des Champions win showed the team could still prevail when down to 10.

Source: L'Équipe

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