Antoine Kombouaré Dismisses Rumours of RC Lens Exit
RC Lens head coach Antoine Kombouaré has firmly denied speculation about his potential departure from the club amid a challenging start to the Ligue 1 season.
Addressing the rumours in a press conference on Friday, Kombouaré made clear that leaving Lens is not on his agenda, despite earlier moments of tension linked to the club’s promotion struggles and transfer uncertainties.
“You don’t know me well,” Kombouaré said, as reported by Lensois.com. “Between all the rumours and questions, I just hope to be judged on what I do. Words are just hot air! To be clear: I am happy at Lens and I want to see Lens win.”
The former Paris Saint-Germain coach refused to be distracted by the ongoing transfer window, choosing instead to focus on the current squad as Lens prepare for their upcoming Ligue 1 fixture against Lyon on Sunday.
“As for the transfer window, I have no new signings yet, so I am concentrating on the players I have,” Kombouaré explained. “We still have about ten days left. I don’t have an opinion on that because I am primarily interested in the present, and especially Sunday’s match in Lyon.”
Lens currently sit without any points from their first two league games, making the upcoming clash a crucial test for the team and the coach.
“I want to see how my team will react,” Kombouaré added. “I’m not showing any concern about recruitment. My focus is day-to-day. Gervais Martel and Hafiz Mammadov have to do their work. I’m not going to cry. I trust the management, and I hope the money will arrive. They still have time. I can’t do more, and I’m not questioning myself.”
Kombouaré’s calm response aims to steady a club eager to build on their promotion back to France’s top flight. With the transfer window open and the season’s early results disappointing, the Lens manager is relying on his current players to deliver immediate improvements.
RC Lens’ fans will be hoping Kombouaré’s confidence translates to results as they face a tough trip to Lyon — a match that could set the tone for their Ligue 1 campaign.
