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Ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League tie at the Emirates Stadium versus RC Lens, which will be refereed by Artur Dias, I spoke to one of their supporters. Thank you to Alex from RC Lens – UK Division Facebook group for answering the questions!
How long have you supported RC Lens?
Since 1995.
What are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
My main hope was to see the same style of football that saw us place 2nd in Ligue 1 and grab Champions League football as it was an honour watching the team play last season. I’ve also been hoping we hold our own in the CL so that we can be proud of our efforts and results, when many look at Lens and wonder what a small team that is.
What are your views on your manager?
Franck Haise is a genius. From the very start, we could see he had a particular approach to preparing the team that was meticulous and effective. The results followed. He’s the ultimate of cool and sticks to his game plan. The team fear nothing and knows they can overturn a game that’s going against us. We don’t want him to ever leave!
Style of play and tactics – direct/passing/hybrid?
High-press. Allowing any player on the pitch to get forward and create opportunities.
One(s) to watch now and in the future?
Ayanda Sishuba. Immense talent, but Haise seems to be managing him well to avoid him getting ahead of himself. Otherwise, Neil El Anynaoui is getting some game time and looking interesting. You have to remember we often go looking for talent in Ligue 2, so it’s a bit hit or miss how they’ll perform in Ligue 1.
Random fact about your Club?
Beat Arsenal at Wembley in the CL.
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving RC Lens?
My favourite match was the UEFA Cup against Sampdoria. Watching empty chip packets rain down on the playacting Sampdoria players by the touchline was hilarious. Otherwise, no one can deny watching a comeback. One game vs. St-Étienne 3-0 to 3-3 with an immense performance from Seydou Keita sticks in the memory.
My least favourite was when we were displaced at Amiens due to work being done at our home stadium. The team weren’t playing well and fans had to travel too far to get to home games.
Which sides do you think will finish in the top five of Ligue 1 and which do you think will finish in the bottom two?
PSG, Nice. Lens. Lille in the top 5.
Bottom 5 will be Clermont, Lorient, Toulouse and Nantes.
What are your thoughts on Arsenal?
I really want Arsenal to win the PL. A much better club than Man City. Deserved the title last season. The club has been run on a more sustainable approach than some other clubs and deserves success off the back of this.
If you could steal one Arsenal player for your own team, who would it be and why?
I’d take Declan Rice. Secure in the middle and can get forward. The perfect midfielder.
What is your prediction for this match and do you think you’ll progress to the next round?
I’m worried Arsenal will edge us. If we can pick up a point I’d be happy. Given our long way back from Ligue 2 to Ligue 1 to CL, even qualifying for the Europa League would be a result. I think Arsenal and PSV will be too strong for us to get 2nd place.
