Lens weigh Pierre Sage against Habib Beye after Cahuzac's exit

Following the dismissal of Yannick Cahuzac, RC Lens must appoint a new head coach for the 2026‑2027 season, with former Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage and ex‑Rennes manager Habib Beye emerging as the leading candidates for the bench of the Sang et Or. Cahuzac oversaw nine matches, securing three victories and suffering six defeats across all competitions.

Dino Toppmöller guided Lens to the Trophée des champions in August, beating Paris Saint‑Germain, before departing after just four Ligue 1 matches. His brief spell followed the even shorter tenure of Yannick Cahuzac, whose nine‑match spell produced three wins and six defeats.

Potential return of Pierre Sage

Pierre Sage was appointed by Crystal Palace in June but will be dismissed after less than three months of competition. He struggled to adapt to the club’s recruitment policy and specific English football requirements. Sage previously won the Coupe de France with Lens in May of the previous year.

Daniel Riolo said the decision rests with Crystal Palace’s hierarchy and warned that Lens would avoid a five‑million‑euro indemnity if they pursued him. Riolo also argued that Sage knows the Lens players and that supporters, angry at his earlier departure, would not be upset if he returned. The debate is being aired on the After Foot programme on RMC.

Habib Beye and alternative candidates

Habib Beye is cited as another solution for the Lens vacancy. A former Rennes coach who has been free since leaving Olympique de Marseille in June is also mentioned among the shortlist.

Florian Gautreau warned against a succession of casting errors, saying he is not a fan of Beye’s stint at Rennes but believes Pierre Sage would be the better choice. Kevin Diaz suggested that a joint appointment of Sage and Beye, similar to the Red Star partnership from January 2022 to June 2023, could work, though he now considers the idea dead. The new coach will inherit a demanding programme that includes Ligue 1 fixtures against Toulouse, Angers, Le Havre and Nice, as well as Champions League ties with Leipzig, Bodo/Glimt and Nice.