French team Lens fires coach Dino Toppmöller after just 6 games in charge

French football club Lens dismissed manager Dino Toppmöller after only six games under his tenure, citing irreconcilable differences with the German coach, the club announced on Tuesday. Lens, currently in 10th position in Ligue 1, stated that discussions surrounding the team's personnel and organizational structure led to the decision to restructure the staff, which ultimately prompted Toppmöller's dismissal along with his two assistants.

The 45-year-old Toppmöller, who signed a two-year contract with Lens in June, reportedly relinquished a significant portion of his severance pay. Toppmöller, who previously coached Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga and led the team to the Champions League the following season, had initially pledged to implement an aggressive, attacking style of play at Lens.

His tenure began on a positive note, as Lens secured victories against PSG in the French Super Cup and Auxerre in the league. However, Lens suffered two consecutive defeats, including a 2-2 draw at Le Mans, before rallying with a 3-2 away win over Sparta Prague in the Champions League. Toppmöller's departure follows a similar exit at Frankfurt in January, where the team also struggled with defensive vulnerabilities.