Lens sack coach after Champions League rout

Lens have dismissed coach Yannick Cahuzac following a 9-1 Champions League loss to Como, according to a source close to the French club. Cahuzac, appointed by Lens less than two months ago, was relieved of his position after a humiliating 2-1 reversal at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Ligue 1 the following Sunday. The French Cup winners expressed disappointment following the defeat, stating that the result had left a lasting impact.

Cahuzac acknowledged the team's struggles, citing gaps in the squad and a loss of confidence. The former Lens captain took over in mid-September, replacing Dino Toppmoeller, who resigned after just four Ligue 1 matches. In nine matches under Cahuzac's management, the team has secured only three wins and suffered six defeats across all competitions, sitting 11th in domestic standings.

Crucially, Cahuzac has failed to secure a single point in European play, losing to Sporting Lisbon and Club Brugge, as well as the Como thrashing, which set the record for the biggest winning margin in modern Champions League history. Lens chairman Joseph Oughourlian expressed his discontent, stating that such behavior is unacceptable and had the phrase "never again" painted on the walls of the changing room.

Under Cahuzac, Lens won the French Cup and finished second in the league last season, with Pierre Sage at the helm.