Walid Mesloub takes charge of Lens reserves as son Mezian rises

Walid Mesloub has been promoted to manager of RC Lens’ reserve team as part of a reshuffle of the club’s coaching structure, but the former Algeria international is unlikely to work regularly with his 16-year-old son, Mezian.

The changes follow the departure of Dino Toppmoller and his two assistants before the international break. Yannick Cahuzac has taken charge of the first team, with further adjustments made behind the scenes at the club.

Mesloub, who played for Lens from 2017 to 2020, had previously been an assistant to Vincent Carlier with the reserves. He will now lead the side himself.

Carlier, who had managed the reserve team since 2022, has moved up to the first-team staff alongside Cahuzac. The French coach has also been involved in the development of Lens’ young players in the Youth League.

Mesloub’s promotion represents another step in the former midfielder’s coaching career and gives him increased responsibility at a club with which his family has strong ties.

The Mesloub name is also becoming increasingly familiar at Lens because of Mezian Soares Mesloub, one of the club’s most highly regarded young prospects.

The attacking midfielder has made rapid progress in recent months. In May, he scored his first Ligue 1 goal against Nantes just 18 seconds after coming on as a substitute, securing an important win for Lens.

He signed his first professional contract in July before making his debut in the Champions League, where he provided an assist against Sparta Prague.

With the teenager now part of the professional squad, regular meetings between father and son in the reserve team are not expected. However, Mezian could still make an occasional appearance for the reserves depending on decisions made by the coaching staff.

Mezian’s international future

Mezian’s international allegiance is also attracting attention. He has already played above his age group for Portugal’s Under-21 side, representing the country of his mother, but he is also eligible to play for France and Algeria.

According to La Gazette du Fennec, the Algerian Football Federation is monitoring his progress closely and has already made initial contact with his father.

Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani is also considering meeting the family to outline his plans, while Riyad Mahrez is reported to have been approached to help support the proposal.

While Walid Mesloub takes on a new role within the club, his son’s emergence is adding another dimension to the family’s growing connection with RC Lens.