RC Lens Names Didier Digard as New Head Coach Until June 2028

RC Lens named Didier Digard as their new head coach on Friday night, Le Soir reported, ending a search that had targeted other candidates.

The 40-year-old French coach signed a contract running until June 2028. He takes over a squad currently sitting 11th in Ligue 1 and 33rd in the Champions League phase league.

Lens turned to Digard after parting ways with Yannick Cahuzac on Thursday. Cahuzac had managed only three wins and six defeats since taking over in September, culminating in a 9-1 Champions League loss to Como and a 2-1 league defeat against Marseille.

Club officials held discussions with multiple candidates during the week. Selon la presse, Pierre Sage, qui a entraîné Lens la saison passée et a quitté Crystal Palace cette semaine, avait été envisagé, tandis que l’ancien sélectionneur du Maroc Walid Regragui figurait également sur la short-list après avoir rencontré les dirigeants lensois.

Joseph Oughourlian, le président lensois, s’intéressait à Pierre Sage, tandis que Walid Regragui avait récemment rencontré les dirigeants du club qui apprécient son expérience et sa connaissance du football français.

“Comme entraîneur, Didier Digard a démontré sa capacité à fédérer, à faire progresser les groupes et à obtenir des résultats dans des situations complexes,” the club said, as Le Soir noted.

Digard joins Lens amid instability and pressure

Digard arrives in northern France following a departure from Le Havre at the end of October. That exit followed a 5-1 defeat that also brought the departures of Le Havre’s president and sporting director.

The new coach steps into an environment reeling from historic scorelines and mounting pressure from supporters. Lens opened the campaign under Dino Toppmöller, who left in mid-September before Cahuzac took the interim and permanent reins. The club artésien is attempting to regain stability following a historic 2025-2026 season featuring a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and a Coupe de France title.

Cahuzac failed to turn the tide. His tenure included a derby loss to Lille on October 30.

First match against Toulouse

Digard will lead his first training session on Saturday. His immediate task involves preparing the squad for league competition.

Lens will host Toulouse on Saturday, November 21, for the 11th matchday of the Ligue 1 season.

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