RC Lens dismiss Cahuzac while Crystal Palace’s Sage is eyed for job

RC Lens promoted Yannick Cahuzac from his assistant role to replace Dino Toppmoller. Reportedly, L’Équipe the Corsican has now been relieved of his duties. Cahuzac had already been part of Toppmoller’s backroom staff before taking the reins after divisions emerged.

The appointment was criticised because of Cahuzac’s friendship with sporting director Jean‑Louis Leca. It has proved a poor stint for Olivier Pantaloni’s former assistant.

He has won just three of his six Ligue 1 games. The damage stemmed from a three‑game spell before the international break.

Heavy defeats and final sack

A derby defeat to Lille OSC was followed by a 9‑1 loss to Como 1907 in the UEFA Champions League – the joint‑heaviest defeat in the competition’s history – and then a loss to Olympique de Marseille. Cahuzac has lost six of his nine matches in charge and has now been sacked by Les Sang et Or.

To replace him, the French club have drawn up a three‑man shortlist that includes Crystal Palace’s Pierre Sage, whose own position is described as hanging by a thread. Last season, he led the club to a second‑place finish in Ligue 1 and to a maiden Coupe de France title.