Didier Digard appointed RC Lens manager until 2028, Sage and Regragui ruled out

RC Lens have appointed Didier Digard as their new manager, ending the interim period that followed Yannick Cahuzac’s departure. The former Le Havre coach, recently dismissed by the Normandy club, has committed to the Sang et Or until June 2028.

The choice comes as a surprise: in recent days, the names of Pierre Sage — sidelined at Crystal Palace — and Walid Regragui had fuelled speculation about the succession. The Artois club ultimately opted for a different profile, from the French league.

In its official statement, the Lens board justified the decision by a “strong consensus” reached after several interviews with the various candidates studied. “This choice is that of a united club, faithful to its values and fully focused on its sporting project,” the statement reads.

The club also took care to correct narratives that had circulated during the appointment process. “In an environment where external commentary, sometimes seemingly unanimous, may have fuelled certain narratives far removed from the reality of internal deliberations, Racing recalls that its decisions are built on observable facts, an in-depth analysis of the profiles studied and convictions,” the statement says.

Didier Digard will take charge of his first training session the day after his appointment. He will also conduct an audit of the technical staff to consider possible adjustments to his backroom team.