Senegal’s Habib Beye emerges as shock contender for RC Lens job

RC Lens are reportedly considering former Olympique Marseille manager Habib Beye as a potential successor to Yannick Cahuzac following a disastrous start to the Frenchman’s tenure.

Beye has emerged as one of several candidates being assessed by the Lens hierarchy as the club prepares for a possible managerial change.

According to L’Équipe, Cahuzac’s departure has yet to be officially confirmed, although the coach has already returned to his native Corsica amid growing uncertainty over his future.

His expected exit follows a turbulent nine-match spell that has left the club facing mounting pressure to change direction.

Three consecutive defeats against Lille, Como and Marseille proved particularly damaging, with the team’s performances raising serious questions about Cahuzac’s ability to turn their fortunes around.

The humiliating 9-1 defeat to Como in the UEFA Champions League was the biggest blow, with the result equalling the competition’s heaviest-ever loss.

The scale of that defeat intensified scrutiny of the coaching situation and appears to have accelerated discussions about a possible replacement.

Beye joins three-man shortlist for Lens job

With Cahuzac’s position increasingly uncertain, Lens have reportedly begun exploring several options to take charge of the team.

Beye is among the names under consideration, having previously managed Rennes, Red Star and Marseille.

His experience in French football makes him an attractive candidate as Lens look for someone capable of stabilising the team and restoring confidence.

However, he faces competition from other candidates, with club president Joseph Oughourlian reportedly favouring Pierre Sage.

Sage’s availability remains uncertain, with his future at Crystal Palace still unresolved. His potential appointment would therefore depend on whether Lens can secure an agreement for the former French coach.

Didier Digard, formerly of Le Havre, is also being considered as the club weighs up its options.

Lens hierarchy faces crucial managerial decision

The situation leaves Lens facing an important decision over the direction of their project following a difficult period under Cahuzac.

The club must identify a successor capable of addressing their defensive weaknesses, improving results and restoring stability after a run that has included one of the most damaging defeats in Champions League history.

Beye’s inclusion on the shortlist suggests Lens could turn to a familiar face in French football as they seek to rebuild.

For now, however, no appointment has been confirmed, with Sage, Digard and Beye remaining among the reported options.

The coming days could prove decisive as Lens look to resolve the managerial uncertainty and prevent their disappointing run from further derailing the campaign.