Football Season Guide

Although each of their last two seasons have ultimately ended in disappointment, Lens have been one of the success stories in Ligue 1 over the past couple of years. Since winning promotion back from Ligue 2, Franck Haise’s side have quickly moved to re-establish themselves as a power in the top flight. They have flirted with European football on two occasions but ultimately ended just short on both. Last season, they picked up 17 wins and 62 points – undoubtedly a triumph. Each season will be a challenge for Lens to match what came before it. Over the summer months, they have seen a couple of key players depart. Right wing-back Jonathan Clauss was an outstanding figure for them, to such a degree he was given France honours. He has gone to Marseille. Cheick Doucoure, meanwhile, has gone to Crystal Palace for big money. Furthermore, the loss of PSG loanee Arnaud Kalimuendo is another blow to their starting XI. On paper, Lens look like they have signed well. Lois Openda arrives after a prolific season in the Eredivisie and has started the club’s friendlies in a promising manner, suggesting he can be relied upon for goals. Meanwhile, they have cherry picked two of the better players from lower-ranking clubs in the league by capturing midfielder Salis Abdul Samed and Jimmy Cabot from Clermont and Angers respectively. They have also been successful in signing from Poland, and they have nabbed Lukasz Poreba to add cover to defence. Another Pole, Adam Buksa, will offer cover in attack. Lens have also moved to strengthen in goal, where Brice Samba should provide solid competition to Wuilker Farinez and Jean-Louis Leca. Indeed, the rearguard, with the exception of Clauss, has gone untouched and is solid, while there is strength and depth in midfield – particularly if Seko Fofana, who has been integral in the last two year, remains. It is in attack where there are some questions, but if Openda and Buksa can find their feet quickly, Lens are not short of options there either.