Exclusive | Adrien Thomasson on Southampton manager Will Still’s ‘surprise’ Lens exit | OneFootball

Following a win on the final day of last season, Will Still announced his shock departure from RC Lens, just one year after joining the club. Soon after, he joined Southampton. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Get French Football News, Lens captain Adrien Thomasson (31) evoked the Englishman’s exit.

“It was a big surprise because we only found out about it on the last day of the season. We didn’t expect it at all,” began the Lens captain.

“Of course, it was disappointing because, despite everything that we went through in the season, we finished eighth, and we did almost the maximum we could have done. But these are things we can’t control. He explained to us the reasons for his departure. I am someone who tries to understand why decisions are taken, and I respect his decision. In the world of football, there are changes almost every season; there isn’t really stability any more, and you have to deal with it. But I think we had a good season with him, after everything that we went through,” he added.

Thomasson then evoked the differences between Still and his successor, Pierre Sage. “It is different. For one, Will Still was someone who was almost our age, so naturally, there was a certain closeness that was more pronounced with him. But in terms of management, Sage has more experience, but, of course, he is 10 years older, so it is simpler. He (Sage) also maintains a certain relationship with the players who maybe play a bit less, and that is important,” said Thomasson.

>> Read the full interview with Thomasson HERE

GFFN | Luke Entwistle