RC Lens have parted ways with manager Yannick Cahuzac, just months after his appointment. The decision comes as the French club reportedly intensifies efforts to bring back former boss Pierre Sage, who is understood to be on the verge of being sacked by Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Cahuzac’s Short-Lived Stint at Lens
Yannick Cahuzac’s tenure at RC Lens was brief and challenging. Having been promoted from an assistant role, he oversaw just nine matches in charge. During this period, Lens secured only three wins in Ligue 1, while suffering six defeats across all competitions.
A particularly damaging run of results preceded his dismissal. This included a derby loss to Lille OSC, a heavy 9-1 defeat to Como 1907 in the UEFA Champions League – one of the competition’s joint-heaviest losses – and a subsequent defeat to Olympique de Marseille. These results ultimately led to Les Sang et Or relieving him of his duties.
Sage’s Potential Return Amid Palace Struggles
Pierre Sage, who previously led Lens to a successful period, is now a prime candidate to replace Cahuzac. Last season, Sage guided Lens to an impressive second-place finish in Ligue 1 and secured the club’s maiden Coupe de France title.
Sage departed Lens over the summer to join Crystal Palace, reportedly fulfilling a long-held ambition to manage in the Premier League. However, his move to England has not gone as planned, with reports indicating he is close to being sacked by the London club.
Sources suggest that RC Lens are actively pushing to repatriate Sage, just months after his departure. He is reportedly the preferred candidate among a three-man shortlist identified by the French club, signalling a strong desire for his return to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.