Lens Coach Criticizes Team After Heavy Defeat to Auxerre

RC Lens manager Will Still did not mince words following his team’s disappointing 4-0 loss to AJ Auxerre in their home stadium on Sunday.

Any slim hopes of securing a European spot for next season were dashed as Lens found themselves trailing by three goals before halftime. Ado Onaiwu scored twice, while Gaëtan Perrin added another. The misery continued in the second half when Ki-Jana Hoever, on loan from Wolverhampton, netted a fourth goal for Auxerre.

Still was frank in his post-match assessment, emphasizing the need for significant changes during the summer transfer window. He stated, “We need to implement new strategies. Some players are at the end of their cycle or contracts, while others will remain as our core. We require an influx of talent and quality. A new protocol must be established, and changes are necessary.”

The coach acknowledged financial constraints during the winter transfer window but stressed the importance of becoming competitive again. He added, “We invested in young talent, knowing they might not be ready for this level immediately. We need to support their development and find consistency in our performances.”

Still concluded by expressing his disappointment, saying, “I came to Lens to be competitive. We’re turning a new page, and it’s our responsibility to write it correctly. We need to be honest with each other. Today, not everyone gave their all, except for our supporters.”

Lens faces two away matches against Olympique Lyonnais and Toulouse FC before concluding their season at home against AS Monaco.