Walid Mesloub takes charge of Lens reserves as son Mezian shines

Walid Mesloub has been promoted to take charge of RC Lens’ reserve team, while his 16-year-old son Mezian continues to make rapid progress with the French club.

The former Algeria international will replace Vincent Carlier, who has joined first-team manager Yannick Cahuzac’s coaching staff as part of a reorganisation at Lens.

Mesloub previously worked as Carlier’s assistant with the reserve side but will now take full responsibility for the team.

The change follows the departure of Dino Toppmöller and his two assistants before the international break. Cahuzac has since taken charge of the first team, leading to several changes within the club’s coaching structure.

Carlier, who had been responsible for the reserve team since 2022, has moved up to work with the senior side. He had also been involved with Lens’ youth teams in the UEFA Youth League.

Mesloub’s promotion represents another step in his transition into coaching after his playing career. The former midfielder already has a strong connection with Lens, having played for the club between 2017 and 2020.

His new role also comes as his son, Mezian Soares Mesloub, continues to attract attention for his performances at the club.

The 16-year-old attacking midfielder is regarded as one of Lens’ promising young players after making a rapid rise through the club’s ranks.

Mezian scored his first Ligue 1 goal against Nantes in May, finding the net just 18 seconds after coming on as a substitute to help Lens secure an important victory.

He signed his first professional contract in July and later made his Champions League debut, providing an assist against Sparta Prague.

Despite his father’s new position with the reserve team, Walid is not expected to regularly coach his son because Mezian is now part of the first-team setup.

There could still be occasions when the teenager features for the reserve side, depending on decisions made by the coaching staff.

Mezian’s international future is also attracting attention. He has already represented Portugal’s Under-21 side, with the country being his mother’s homeland, but remains eligible to play for France and Algeria.

According to La Gazette du Fennec, the Algerian Football Federation is monitoring the teenager’s development and has already made initial contact with his father.

Algeria coach Brahim Hemdani is also reportedly considering meeting Mezian’s family to explain the national team’s plans, while Riyad Mahrez has reportedly been approached to help promote the project.

For now, the Mesloub family continues to make an impact at Lens, with Walid taking on greater responsibility while his son continues his rapid rise into senior football.