LIGUE 1 – HAFIZ MAMMADOV TARGETS TITLE WITH LENS, WANTS TO EXTEND KOMBOUARÉ
RC Lens owner Hafiz Mammadov has set an ambitious timeline: win Ligue 1 within three years. Despite current financial uncertainties and on-field challenges, the Azerbaijani businessman reportedly intends to build his project around coach Antoine Kombouaré.
According to Sportinfo, a site close to Mammadov’s circles—though sometimes prone to embellishment—the Blood and Gold boss is considering offering Kombouaré a contract extension beyond his current deal, which runs until June 2016. The proposed plan would see the former PSG coach remain in charge for an additional year.
A Bold Three-Stage Plan:
2014/15: Secure Ligue 1 survival
2015/16: Compete for European qualification
2016/17: Challenge for the French title
While undeniably ambitious, this vision contrasts with Lens’ current situation, as the club still awaits crucial financial guarantees demanded by the DNCG (French football’s financial watchdog) since July.
Still, Mammadov’s apparent confidence in Kombouaré underlines the coach’s central role in the long-term sporting project at the Stade Bollaert. Whether the resources will match the aspirations remains the key question.
