Lens are preparing to part company with Dino Toppmöller after just six matches in charge, ending a brief and turbulent spell before Friday’s Ligue 1 trip to Monaco.
Key takeaways
- Toppmöller is expected to be removed from his post and will not take charge at Louis-II on Friday.
- Lens have taken one win, one draw and two defeats from their opening four Ligue 1 fixtures.
- The Sang et Or already sit six points behind the league leaders after last season’s second-place finish.
- A 2-2 draw against Le Mans heightened concerns over the team’s tactical balance and early-match performances.
- Lens did beat PSG 1-0 in the Trophée des Champions and opened their Champions League campaign with a 3-2 win at Slavia Prague.
Short reign ends before Monaco test
The German coach’s departure is set to come at remarkable speed. Toppmöller arrived as the successor to Pierre Sage, but will leave before Lens play their fifth league match of the season, away to Monaco on Friday night.
The board’s decision follows a difficult domestic opening for a side that had finished runners-up to PSG last term. Lens have collected only four points from four Ligue 1 games, with their solitary victory accompanied by a draw and two losses.
That return has left the club six points adrift of first place, a concerning gap so early in a campaign shaped by much higher expectations. Sage had raised the standard significantly, leading Lens to second in Ligue 1 and delivering the first Coupe de France in the club’s history.
There has been particular frustration at the lack of control in matches. The draw with Le Mans exposed concerns about Lens’ starting selections, slow beginnings, midfield vulnerability and defensive instability. The feeling around the club has been that the current system has not suited the available players.
Injuries, especially at the back, have complicated Toppmöller’s work. But the handling of Mezian Mesloub also drew criticism. Mesloub had impressed in midweek against Slavia Prague, yet began the first half against Le Mans on the bench.
Silverware and Europe could not protect Toppmöller
There were nonetheless early moments which suggested Lens possessed resilience under Toppmöller. They won the Trophée des Champions against PSG, with captain Florian Thauvin scoring shortly after the half-hour mark in a 1-0 victory.
Lens had to survive much of that contest with 10 men after Kyllian Antonio was sent off in the 39th minute, making the result a notable show of resistance from the Artésiens.
Their Champions League start also brought a dramatic success. Despite an inexperienced central defensive pairing and attacking difficulties during the opening period, Lens claimed a 3-2 victory away at Slavia Prague through a stoppage-time winner.
Those results offered proof of the squad’s character, but they have not outweighed the league alarm. Toppmöller’s reign is now set to end with Lens searching for a response before the season’s pressure becomes heavier still.
SEO title: Lens set to dismiss Dino Toppmöller before Monaco clash
SEO description: Lens are expected to sack Dino Toppmöller after six matches, despite wins over PSG and Slavia Prague, following a poor Ligue 1 start.
