Why Lille have Ligue 1’s most effective bench | OneFootball

Lille’s bench has become a decisive weapon this season, reflecting Bruno Genesio’s drive to involve the full squad. L’Équipe highlights that the substitutes’ impact could be crucial in the Champions League qualification race and again against Paris FC at Jean-Bouin on Sunday at 17 h 15.

LOSC have 13 Ligue 1 goal involvements from substitutes in 2025-2026, level with PSG. They have produced 22% of their goals with a player off the bench involved, the highest rate in the division ahead of PSG on 21%.

Speaking before the trip, Genesio said they try to give the same consideration to everyone, whether they play, do not play or are injured. The approach has kept the rotation engaged.

Mouctar Diakhaby, who worked under him at OL, recalled Genesio addressing his frustration when minutes dropped, explaining selection and urging him to stay ready. He said he never saw a player isolated under Genesio, unlike with some coaches.

With injuries relatively light, only Nabil Bentaleb, Hamza Igamane and Marius Broholm are out this weekend among the 23 players who have logged more than 400 minutes in 2025-2026. Nathan Ngoy said the group is deep, everyone could start and team-mates lift each other.

Two months on from his last Ligue 1 start, Olivier Giroud has embraced a supersub role, scoring off the bench in the 1-0 against Monaco on 24 August and the 2-1 against Marseille on 22 March, matching Ethan Mbappé’s tally. Genesio praised his exemplary attitude and absence of complaints.

Source: L'Équipe