Kombouaré Wary as Lens Prepare to Face PSG at Stade de France
Antoine Kombouaré and RC Lens face a daunting challenge on Friday as they prepare to host Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade de France in a high-stakes clash on Matchday 10 of Ligue 1. With Lens languishing in 18th place and just 8 points from 9 matches, the pressure is mounting — and the visit of the reigning giants could hardly come at a more delicate time.
The match, though technically a home fixture for Lens, will be played at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis — a neutral ground with psychological implications. Kombouaré, who coached PSG from 2009 to 2011, is acutely aware of the danger posed by his former side and is hoping his team can avoid a heavy defeat.
“We’re heading to Paris on Thursday to get our bearings, because we mustn’t forget that we’re still playing at home, even if it’s in Saint-Denis,” Kombouaré said during his pre-match press conference. “I hope I don’t get a beating, as you say, because that would have dramatic consequences for the future. Frankly, we have a lot to lose in this match.”
The Lens coach expressed concern over PSG’s recent form and suggested that their inevitable resurgence may be imminent. “PSG’s awakening is not far off — we have to hope they don’t wake up in front of us,” he warned.
Paris Saint-Germain, though not at their most dominant so far this season, remain a formidable opponent with star-studded depth and title ambitions. For Lens, already battling at the lower end of the table, the stakes are high: a heavy defeat could deepen the crisis, while a strong performance might offer the spark needed to reverse their fortunes.
Kombouaré’s candid words reflect both the gravity of the moment and the respect he holds for the Parisian side he once led. As the teams prepare to clash under the lights of the Stade de France, all eyes will be on whether Lens can rise to the occasion — or succumb to the might of PSG.
