Transformed from floor to ceiling, RC Lens wants to return to the big leagues

The Blood and Gold hope to have finished with years of galley. In Ligue 2 for four years, close to a relegation in National last season finally finished at a painful fourteenth place, Racing wants to become a club that counts. To give the means, many things have changed this summer in Artois. A stir with only one goal: to find the elite as quickly as possible. First element of answer from Friday, July 27 in Orleans for the resumption of the championship.

Montanier, the new strongman

Exit Eric Sikora the child of the club stationed last year but, considered too tender to play the rise: place to Philippe Montanier. The one who had not coached club since the dismissal of Rennes in January 2016, is his big comeback. Connoisseur of the region after pbadages noticed in Boulogne (2004-2009) and Valenciennes (2009-2011), the former goalkeeper hopes to benefit the Sang et Or from his great experience. He will be supported in his task by
Mickaël Debève, former TFC coach, now his deputy. Eric Roy, appointed sports director last October, will oversee the entire sports aspect

The end of the Martel era

After thirty years at the head of the club, Gervais Martel is no longer from the organization chart of Racing. The iconic leader, who was still chairman of the board, retired in June. A big page of history turns into a club with a completely renewed organization chart

After being a shareholder of the club for the last two seasons, Atletico Madrid has sold its shares to Joseph Oughourlian, already present in the shareholding of Racing. The businessman, new president of the club, is now the only master on board. To support him on a daily basis, he relies heavily on Arnaud Pouille, general manager of the club. In addition to the ambition to find the Ligue 1, the new direction also plans to save money. A reorganization at the administrative level is underway.

Totally upset

Thirteen departures for eight arrivals. Once again, the summer was hectic at Racing. Disappointed last season and eager to deflate its workforce, the club let go of many players (Douchez, Lopez, Lendric, Koukou, Chantome, Duplus, Dja Je Je, Hafez, Zoubir, Bianda, Sylla, Gerard, Cvetinovic). "It's hard to find automatisms. But we have a staff that makes every effort to solve some problems. So we start getting our bearings, "said striker Kevin Fortuné.

To strengthen, unlike in previous years, Lens went to recruit elements familiar with Ligue 2 (Leca (Ajaccio), Tahrat (Angers), Centonze (Clermont), Gomis (Orleans), Ba (Sochaux)) . To this we must also add three players from abroad: Mendy (Diambars, Senegal), Radovanovic (Vojvodina, Serbia) and Haidara (Newcastle, England). "It's hard to find automatisms. But we have a staff that makes every effort to solve some problems. So we start to get our bearings, "said striker Kevin Fortuné.

And the big mess is not over because the club still intends to recruit three players per line, especially on the offensive plan. "There are still things in the pipes," admits Philippe Montanier who has not denied the possible arrival of Thierry Ambrose, 21-year-old French striker, who belongs to Manchester City.

Objective: the return to the League 1

With the biggest budget of the League 2 (36 million), popular support still important (already 12 000 subscribers) and high level infrastructure (the stadium Bollaert and the training center of the Gaillette), RC Lens has no choice but to find the elite. For caution or hypocrisy, no one is still loud and loud at the club. It is a difficult and homogeneous championship. We must expect a bitter season, "does not get wet Philippe Montanier, Lens coach. Still, there is no illusion to be done: the Sang et Or will aim well this season the rise in Ligue 1.

Medium in preparation matches (1 win, 3 draws, 1 defeat), Lens will enter the big bath this Friday (20h) in Orleans. "When we start a season, we do not know what will happen. We hope for the best and we prepare for it. But we know very well that there will be ups and downs, moments of crisis and moments when things are going well. But it is also what makes the charm of football. We do not know what will happen in advance, "concludes Lens coach. Even if the Racing hopes nevertheless that there will be nothing that will go bad as liked a certain Gervais Martel …

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