Runner-up to Paris Saint-Germain just one point despite a much lower budget than many clubs in the French championship and a less esteemed workforce, Lens had thwarted all expectations last season. Inevitably, the performances of the Sang et Or will be scrutinized more this year, as they start their season this Sunday in Brest.
Even if the Lensois tactician conceded that “in the eyes of other clubs, (Lens is) no longer the club which was promoted three years ago”, Franck Haise warned: “Do not say to yourself, because ‘we finished second, that we are going to start the season again and that everything is going to roll, because each season is unique. “We are moving forward, we are progressing, but we must remain lucid about what we must and can do, he recalled. We are not going to play with the medal around our necks. It would be a big mistake.” “What matters is to continue to be ourselves,” he added. To do something that resembles us. If we do that, I will be very happy, whether we are second, sixth or ninth.
Elected best Ligue 1 coach last season, the 52-year-old tactician also highlighted his desire to develop the Pas-de-Calais club more generally. “We should not set limits on the means we implement”. He wants to advance Lens in terms of “infrastructure in the pro sector, women and in training.” A lot of ambition displayed for Lens, which will compete in the Champions League this year 20 years after their last participation.
