Football Season Guide

Lens were the surprise package of Ligue 1 last season and rounded an excellent campaign off with a deserved qualification to the UEFA Conference League, having fought hard to secure that spot until the end of the campaign. It was a season lit up by some excellent results, such has the victory over PSG, and the passionate northern club are hoping for more of the same this time around. Franck Haise, who proved a revelation in the dugout last season, remains in charge, while he has been given the capacity to strengthen his squad. Indeed, of the players who so impressed last season, Lens have only lost centre-back Loic Bade, whose substantial transfer fee has gone partly into strengthening the squad. Gael Kakuta, who was their outstanding player last season, has been signed permanently from Amiens and will be the player the whole offence pivots around. If he performs to the standard he mustered last time, Lens will be a very dangerous side, although Armand Kalimuendo’s return to PSG does deplete the attack a little. With Simon Banza, Florian Sotoca and Ignatius Ganago all present, Lens still have decent attacking options. Wesley Said has been signed from Toulouse, too, and there will not be great pressure on him to perform. In midfield, meanwhile, Lens have three excellent players in the heart of the field. Seko Fofana, Yannic Cahuzac and Cheick Doucoure formed the spine of the side last season, with Haise ultimately switching to a 3-5-2 formation after using a 3-4-1-2 for much of the season simply to accommodate the trio. If one is missing, they can revert to the other system. Jonathan Clauss was a revelation at right wing-back and Lens will hope Deiver Machado, who arrives from Toulouse, can provide similar impetus on the left. Certainly, his showings in Ligue 2 suggest that is entirely possible. Bade’s replacement in central defence, meanwhile, is promising Nancy defender Christopher Wooh, who joins on a free transfer, though Steven Fortes may be the immediate replacement from within the squad. Meanwhile, Jean-Louis Leca in goal will be challenged further by Wuilker Farinez, who has signed permanently.