Four Ligue 1 matches into the new campaign, RC Lens have made an early and dramatic change in the dugout, dismissing German coach Dino Toppmöller despite notable results in the cups and Europe.
Key takeaways
- Toppmöller leaves Lens after one league win, one draw and two defeats.
- Lens are the reigning Ligue 1 runners-up and holders of the Coupe de France.
- The club beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to win the French Super Cup on 16 August.
- Lens also opened their Champions League league phase with a 3-2 victory at Sparta Prague.
- Assistant Yannick Cahuzac will take charge for Friday’s Ligue 1 fixture against Monaco.
Lens reshape coaching staff
Lens said the decision followed extensive discussions over the team’s form, the day-to-day running of the group and the organisation of the coaching staff.
The club had proposed a restructuring of Toppmöller’s backroom team, but the 45-year-old did not agree with the planned changes. Lens therefore ended his contract, along with those of his two assistants.
Cahuzac, who had worked alongside Toppmöller since the start of the season, will be on the touchline against Monaco. He had already been viewed internally for several weeks as a likely successor.
A short Lens spell after Sage’s departure
Toppmöller arrived in July on a deal running until 2028, having left Eintracht Frankfurt in January. He had taken over the German club in July 2023 after previous assistant roles at Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
He succeeded Pierre Sage, whose Lens side finished second in Ligue 1 last season and lifted the club’s first Coupe de France. Sage departed during the summer to join Crystal Palace.
Lens now turn to Cahuzac with the domestic campaign only just underway, seeking to turn a mixed league opening into momentum before the gap to the leading sides becomes more difficult to close.
SEO title: RC Lens sack Dino Toppmöller after four Ligue 1 matches
SEO description: RC Lens have dismissed Dino Toppmöller after four Ligue 1 games, with Yannick Cahuzac set to lead the team against Monaco.
