Lens sack Toppmöller after just six matches in charge

RC Lens have dismissed Dino Toppmöller after only six matches, ending the German coach’s tenure less than three months after his arrival. The club announced the decision was made by mutual agreement following extensive discussions about squad planning and proposed changes to the coaching structure, which Toppmöller declined to accept. His two assistants were also relieved of their duties.

Appointed in June to replace Pierre Sage, who left for Crystal Palace after leading Lens to a historic French Cup triumph and second place in Ligue 1, Toppmöller made an immediate impact by defeating Paris Saint‑Germain 1–0 to win the Trophée des Champions. Results in the league, however, were inconsistent, with Lens winning only one of their first four matches. They did open their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3–2 victory at Slavia Prague. Lens sit tenth in Ligue 1 and will face Monaco on Friday with assistant Yannick Cahuzac stepping in as interim coach.