Under the lights at the Stade Louis-II, Yannick Cahuzac begins his Lens reign with a team selection that carries the unmistakable stamp of a coach ready to alter the picture immediately. Appointed head coach on Tuesday following Dino Toppmöller’s departure alongside his staff, Cahuzac has made several bold calls for Friday night’s Ligue 1 trip to Monaco.
Jean-Clair Todibo is handed his first start for Lens after returning in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Le Mans. The former France international lines up at the heart of a reshaped defence with Kyllian Antonio and Matthieu Udol, while Ismaëlo Ganiou misses out after suffering a hip problem.
The most eye-catching decision comes further forward, where 17-year-old Mezian Mesloub makes his senior starting debut. Junior Kadile, the summer signing, is also selected from the outset for the first time, with Abdallah Sima and Florian Thauvin joining Mesloub in attack.
Amadou Haidara and Michael Cuisance have been chosen as the central midfield pairing as Cahuzac looks for balance in his first match in charge of the Sang et Or.
Abline gets Monaco opportunity
Monaco also make a notable change in their line-up, with new arrival Matthis Abline starting for the first time. Edan Diop is included in the home side’s XI as Monaco prepare to test a Lens team entering a new chapter under Cahuzac.
The match kicks off at 20:45 on Friday at the Stade Louis-II, with Lens’ new coach placing immediate faith in youth, returning experience and fresh recruits.
