RC Lens are poised to appoint Olivier Pantaloni as their new manager, following the impending departure of Pierre Sage to Crystal Palace. The Ligue 1 club have been focusing on resolving Sage’s exit and negotiating with Palace, and can now finalize the appointment of Pantaloni, though the exact timing of the announcement remains undisclosed. Pantaloni, 59, is currently a free agent after leaving FC Lorient, where he guided the team to a 10th-place finish in the recent Ligue 1 season.
FC Lorient officially announced Alexandre Dujeux as their new manager on Tuesday, a profile also considered by Lens, but Pantaloni is understood to be the leading candidate. The Corsican coach developed a strong working relationship with Yannick Cahuzac at Lorient, and Cahuzac’s return to the Lens staff earlier this summer has been planned for some time, with a view to him eventually taking on the head coach role in the future.
Lens sporting director Jean-Louis Leca had not considered promoting former captain Cahuzac to the top job immediately, as he is currently undertaking his BEPF coaching qualification, which requires eight weeks of absence. Pantaloni’s experience and familiarity with the 3-4-2-1 formation favored by Lens are seen as significant advantages. He also has the benefit of being a free agent, unlike another candidate Patrick Videira, who remains under contract with Le Mans, whom he recently guided to promotion to Ligue 1.
Pantaloni’s appointment provides Lens with a steady hand as they look to build on their recent successes, and Cahuzac’s presence in the staff offers a clear succession plan for the future. The move allows Lens to continue their project without significant disruption, maintaining a tactical approach that has proven effective in recent seasons.
