Stéphane Dumont’s Troyes face Lens in the Coupe de France | OneFootball

Stéphane Dumont, long rooted at Lille as player and coach, now leads Troyes into a Coupe de France last 16 tie with Lens on Wednesday at 21:00. He is keeping the focus on his team rather than his story.

According to L'Équipe, the 43-year-old has been central to Troyes’ recent upswing, reflected in top spot in Ligue 2 and another run to the last 16 after a 1-2 against Brest last season.

Dumont arrived at LOSC aged nine and says he experienced everything there as player, educator and supporter, even being at the stadium while still in his mother’s womb. He adds that his Lille identity is ingrained, yet insists the tie is Troyes against Lens.

Former Lille team-mate Ludovic Obraniak, a double winner alongside Dumont in 2011, describes a coach of deep humility. He says Dumont is wedded to the collective, fights for his group and avoids the spotlight.

Dumont calls Lens a superb side and a quality opponent. He accepts the fixture carries a particular flavour for anyone shaped by derby culture, and notes he never lost those meetings as a Lille player.

Lens coach Pierre Sage smiled that Troyes may draw motivation from having a coach formed nearby. Obraniak sees kinship between Dumont and Sage in serenity, career paths and a studious, technical approach, and says he cannot wait for the tactical duel.

Source: L'Équipe