Here are now five games that the RCL has not won in Ligue 1. If the victory on Sunday in Poitiers in the Coupe de France (1-0) was able to restore a little confidence, the Lensois know that they have an axis of progression important: defense.
The declared: “If you want to have ambitions, you have to be more demanding”
In the pre-match conference, Lensois coach Franck Haise once again recognized this problem behind. “For us to perform defensively, everyone must be concerned, focused and rigorous” detailed the artesian coach.
I think we have to rediscover this desire to defend and this solidity that we were able to have at the start of the season – Jonathan Gradit
To correct that, they are working, assures Jonathan Gradit. “We reviewed the goals conceded to point the finger at errors. We worked a little more on the defensive animation.” During the second period in Nantes, a week ago, the Lensois were sometimes spectators while they were leading 2-0.
“The block opened when it had to close” regretted the trainer Franck Haise. The impressive attack from Nice will be a good test (Delort 13 games, 1 goal / Gouiri 18m, 8b and Dolberg 13m, 4b).
The player to watch: Florian Sotoca
This season, he is part of the core of players that Franck Haise does not want to do without. He only missed one game but above all, he spends himself lavishly. Often for shadow work, pressing, defensive withdrawal. He remains one of the most decisive players this season, with three goals and three assists. Florian Sotoca has also just extended at RC Lens until 2024.
The stat: 2.5 goals taken per game
Over these last five meetings, the Lensois conceded 12 goals, or nearly 2.5 per game. Before that, they were running at an average of one per game.
The “France Bleu Nord” compo:
Kevin Danso is uncertain, hit in the hip against Poitiers. He is still in the group selected by Franck Haise.
Leca – Frankowski, Wooh, Danso, Gradit, Clauss – Fofana, Doucouré – Pereira Da Costa, Kalimuendo, Sotoca