Kombouaré Clings to Hope as Lens Fight for Ligue 1 Survival
RC Lens manager Antoine Kombouaré has admitted he is facing the most difficult season of his coaching career, as his side teeter on the brink of relegation from Ligue 1.
Tied at the bottom of the table with Metz and sitting nine points adrift of safety with just six matches remaining, Lens are in desperate need of a turnaround. Their upcoming clash with fellow strugglers Metz on Matchday 33 is being billed as a last-chance opportunity for both clubs.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Kombouaré remained defiant, insisting his team will not give up without a fight.
“I’m having the most complicated season of my career,” he told reporters. “My future? It’s Saturday’s match. I believe in our chances of staying up. There are 18 points left and we’re going to give it our all.”
Lens, who have struggled for consistency throughout the campaign, will need nothing short of a miracle to preserve their top-flight status. But Kombouaré sees Saturday’s fixture as a genuine lifeline.
“If there’s one team we have a chance of beating, it’s Metz,” he said, highlighting the significance of the direct relegation battle.
Both clubs have endured turbulent seasons, marked by poor results and mounting pressure. For Lens, the clash offers a rare opportunity to close the gap on their relegation rivals and inject momentum into a possible late escape.
Despite their precarious position, Kombouaré continues to command respect within the club for his resilience and leadership. But even he acknowledges the scale of the task ahead. A defeat this weekend could all but seal their fate.
With 18 points still up for grabs, the Lens boss hopes his players can find the spark needed to mount an improbable survival bid. The road ahead remains steep, but for now, belief persists in the Sang et Or camp.
