RC Lens announced the appointment of German coach Dino Toppmoller as their new manager on June 16, signing him to a contract lasting until 2028 [1, 2]. Toppmoller joins Lens after a successful tenure at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he coached from 2023 to 2026 [1, 2].
He replaces Pierre Sage, who left RC Lens to join Premier League club Crystal Palace [1, 2]. Sage had an impactful spell at Lens, leading the club to its first Coupe de France title and securing UEFA Champions League qualification for only the fourth time in the club’s history [1, 2]. Under Sage, Lens finished second in Ligue 1 last season, six points behind Paris Saint-Germain [1, 2].
Toppmoller said his coaching style focuses on balancing technical quality with intensity. "My style of play is about finding the right balance between technical quality and intensity, and I think that will work very well with our team," he said [1]. He added, "I love intense football, and I think Lens last year was already the most intense team in the league. I love attacking football; I was already like that as a player. But the most important thing is the willingness to give everything for this shirt" [2].
Lens finished the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season strongly and look to build on that success under Toppmoller. The club’s Champions League campaign represents a key upcoming challenge. Toppmoller’s contract through 2028 gives him time to implement his vision and aim for sustained success at the French club [1, 2].