Lens dismiss Yannick Cahuzac after six-match losing run

Lens have parted company with head coach Yannick Cahuzac after six successive defeats, including a 9-1 Champions League thrashing by Como.

The Ligue 1 club confirmed the decision on Thursday in a statement which said: “Racing Club de Lens announces that Yannick Cahuzac has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team.”

The defeat by Como matched the heaviest loss in Champions League history and proved to be the final blow for the club’s hierarchy.

Lens’ poor run had also included a 1-0 defeat by local rivals Lille and a 2-1 loss to Marseille on Sunday. Against Marseille, an early goal conceded after an expensive defensive error added to the frustration around the team.

Supporters made their anger clear during the match by displaying a banner which read: “You are the shame of 120 years of history.”

Cahuzac’s departure marks a sharp change in fortunes for Lens, who enjoyed an exceptional campaign last season. The club won the French Cup and finished second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain.

The dismissal also makes Cahuzac the second Lens manager to leave his position this season. Dino Toppmoeller took charge during the close season after Pierre Sage left for Crystal Palace, but was dismissed in September after only six matches.

Cahuzac had been Toppmoeller’s assistant before being promoted to head coach. However, he was unable to reverse Lens’ decline, winning three of his nine matches in charge and losing the other six in all competitions.

Lens are currently 11th in Ligue 1 on 13 points. They are also 33rd in the Champions League standings, having collected only three points.

The club’s next match is at home against Toulouse next week, as Lens seek to end their damaging run and bring stability back to the dugout after another managerial change.