Ruben Aguilar admits Lens relationship with Toppmöller failed

Lens have turned their attention to Yannick Cahuzac after ending Dino Toppmöller’s spell in charge, with Ruben Aguilar acknowledging that the relationship between the coach and the club never worked. The defender also accepted that the players had a part in the decision, saying their performances had not done enough to keep the previous staff in place.

Aguilar said the squad was not celebrating Toppmöller’s dismissal and rejected the idea that it had brought either relief or a fresh start. The players learned of the club’s decision on Tuesday and thanked Toppmöller and his staff for their work. They have since committed themselves to Cahuzac and prepared for the meeting with Monaco under his direction.

Cahuzac, appointed as coach, has begun introducing his approach with a focus on a compact defensive block and greater consistency in the team’s play. Aguilar said the interim coach had clear ideas, strong motivation and experience of working around coaches with defined tactical systems. The defender added that Cahuzac still had a coaching qualification to complete after a demanding week, but said the squad was listening to him and ready to provide full support.

Aguilar’s admission leaves Lens to move forward without Toppmöller’s staff, while Cahuzac takes charge of the next phase.