Zürcher Nachrichten - Lens sack Toppmoeller after six games in charge

The former Eintracht Frankfurt boss led the team to three wins, two losses and a draw in all competitions, including victory in their Champions League opener at Slavia Prague last week.

Toppmoeller took over at Lens in June on a two-year deal to replace Pierre Sage after the Frenchman left for Crystal Palace.

According to German media, the club wanted to sack his assistant Nelson Morgado, whom he has worked with since 2017, but Toppmoeller refused to accept the decision.

"Following numerous discussions focused on the squad, as well as the functioning and structure of the coaching staff, the club informed their coach of its desire to reshape the latter," Lens said.

"As these structural changes could not be embraced by Dino Toppmoeller, the club, in a responsible manner, have decided to bring his tenure to an end, as well as that of his two assistants.

"The club also note the coach has agreed to forgo a substantial portion of his contractual compensation."

Former Lens captain Yannick Cahuzac, one of Toppmoeller's assistants, will take charge for Friday's Ligue 1 game at Monaco.

Their next match in the Champions League league phase will be at home against Sporting Lisbon on October 13.

Lens, runners-up behind Paris Saint-Germain last season, have four points from their first four games of the Ligue 1 campaign and beat PSG to win the season-opening Champions' Trophy.

M.J.Baumann--NZN