Pierre Menès criticises Ganiou after Lens defeat to Sporting

RC Lens had a frustrating evening in the Champions League, while pundit Pierre Menès immediately pointed out Ismaëlo Ganiou's defensive weaknesses. On one hand, the match gave the Sang et Or their first European defeat; on the other, the pundit's criticism opened the debate on a possible defensive reorganisation.

Match timeline at Bollaert

On Tuesday evening, RC Lens hosted Sporting Portugal at the Bollaert stadium and were beaten 0-2. Luis Suárez opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, followed by Issa Doumbia in the 75th, leaving the Lens players without answer despite a dynamic start and several promising chances.

The Lens players failed to convert their moments of dominance and lacked precision in both boxes, which heightened the sense of frustration among the supporters.

Pierre Menès' analysis of Ganiou

In his analysis broadcast on YouTube, Pierre Menès criticised Ganiou for a lack of responsiveness and difficulty turning to face the movements of the Portuguese attackers, summarising: “He was late and struggled to turn.”

Sporting, the bane of French clubs, crushes Lens at Bollaert

Deployed in Yannick Cahuzac's three‑man defence, the young defender struggled to manage the runs and direction changes of Sporting's forwards, which led the pundit to question his positioning.

Possible defensive solutions

The pundit suggested that Jean‑Claude Todibo, who returned to the squad before the Sporting match, could replace Ganiou at right‑back. Todibo, a former French international, did not start the game, but his experience could stabilise the defence.

Another option considered would be to reposition Ganiou in the centre, where he would have a more natural role, while Todibo would take the right‑central position, allowing a better distribution of responsibilities.

Lens chase third straight win over Sporting in Champions League

RC Lens' staff will therefore have to choose between these alternatives for the upcoming fixtures, in order to avoid another defeat in Europe.