In the unpredictable theatre of football, few narratives capture attention quite like a club`s ability to not merely survive, but thrive, amidst sweeping change. Such is the unfolding story at RC Lens this season, a tale of transformation that, contrary to initial anxieties, appears to be yielding an even stronger outfit. At the heart of this quiet revolution is captain Adrien Thomasson, whose candid insights offer a rare glimpse into the mechanics of a team defying conventional wisdom.
Navigating the Storm: Departures and New Horizons
The summer transfer window often dictates a team`s fortunes, and for Lens, it brought a wave of significant departures. Key figures like Facundo Medina, Neil El Aynaoui, and Andy Diouf moved on, raising understandable questions about the club`s competitive edge. Thomasson himself admits to this initial apprehension. “We were questioning ourselves,” he confided, acknowledging the void left by both young talents and seasoned players.
However, what followed was not a stumble, but a testament to astute management. “The club worked well,” Thomasson asserts, “because we have a competitive team, which, for me, is better than last year.” A bold statement, perhaps, but one he supports with a clear rationale: “We are more balanced, I think. We really have profiles of players that we didn’t necessarily have last season, especially in attack. For me, we are a more complete team.” This newfound equilibrium suggests a strategic evolution rather than a mere rebuilding phase.
A notable addition has been World Cup winner Florian Thauvin (corrected from “Thuavin” in original article), whose presence has already begun to infuse the squad with vital experience and calmness. “It is magnificent,” Thomasson remarks, admiring Thauvin`s ability to remain composed in difficult moments and his decisive technical quality, even as he adapts to his new surroundings.
The Managerial Baton: A Shift in Command
Beyond player turnover, Lens also experienced a change in leadership at the helm. The surprising departure of Will Still at the end of last season was a “big surprise,” according to Thomasson, who respects Still`s decision despite the team`s commendable eighth-place finish. Such is the nature of modern football, where stability is often an illusion, a sentiment Thomasson pragmatically accepts.
Into this dynamic environment stepped Pierre Sage, bringing with him a different methodology. “He has already brought a lot to the table, a lot of rigour throughout the week in training, in terms of lifestyle rules,” Thomasson explains. Sage`s tactical approach differs from his predecessor, but it`s his “serenity and calmness during the matches” that Thomasson highlights as particularly positive. While Still offered a certain youthful closeness, Sage`s greater experience and measured demeanor provide a contrasting, yet equally effective, leadership style, crucial for managing a squad undergoing significant evolution.
The Evolving Game: A Decade in Ligue 1
With a decade under his belt in France`s top flight, Thomasson offers a seasoned perspective on the league`s transformation. He notes a significant increase in the number of young players, driven partly by economic realities. Yet, this youth movement comes with a trade-off. “From a technical point of view, I think we have lost technicality,” he muses, reflecting on a past era where individual skill perhaps shone brighter. He acknowledges the irony: “It is good that young players are playing, but on a technical level, they are trained less, and they are more trained from a physical perspective.”
The modern Ligue 1, as Thomasson sees it, is a crucible of “intensity, lots of losses of possession” – a faster, more physically demanding spectacle. The days of “kick and rush” have largely given way to teams playing out from the back, even from goal kicks. It`s a game prioritizing explosive dynamism, a shift he believes still leaves room for technical players, but demands a different kind of athlete.
The Captain`s New Role and Enduring Ambition
For Thomasson himself, this season has seen a personal evolution on the pitch. Now closer to the end of his career than the beginning, he embraces a deeper, “box-to-box” midfield role. This position, he explains, allows him to “get on the ball more, to construct the game, but also to be able to go forward, to get into the box, but to come from further back.” It suits his physical capabilities and, crucially, he enjoys it more, even the defensive aspects of winning the ball back.
His leadership style mirrors his calm demeanor. Not one to “shout a lot in the dressing room,” Thomasson prefers to “lead by example on the pitch, in training, and through my attitude.” It’s a quiet authority, a positive influence that younger players can observe and emulate.
Looking ahead, Thomasson`s ambition remains undimmed: European qualification. “It is something that motivates me,” he states, though he is pragmatic about the league`s strength and economic realities. The immediate focus is on building momentum, especially with the upcoming “special match” against Lille – a derby where the legendary Bollaert atmosphere will undoubtedly provide an “extra strength” and mental bonus.
As for his future beyond his current contract, Thomasson remains open-minded. While playing abroad has always tempted him, he is not seeking a move “just to go abroad.” He trusts in the future and maintains that he could equally envision playing his entire career in France. It’s a testament to a player who values enjoyment and impact over grand pronouncements.
RC Lens, under the steady hand of Adrien Thomasson and the evolving strategies of its new management, is not merely weathering change; it is harnessing it. Their story serves as a compelling reminder that in football, as in life, adaptation is often the most potent form of progress.
