Lens Parts Ways with Its Coach

Lille, the French Cup champions and league runners-up, have parted ways with their German coach Dino Toppmöller after just six matches under his leadership, as announced yesterday. In confirmation of what the sports newspaper L’Equipe had revealed earlier, Lille stated in a press release: “Out of mutual respect, Lille and Dino Toppmöller have mutually agreed to terminate their collaboration.” The club added: “Following numerous discussions regarding the team’s situation, the working methods and organization of the coaching staff, Lille informed its head coach of its desire to restructure the technical team. Since Dino Toppmöller did not share his vision regarding these structural changes, the club, acting out of its responsibility, has decided to end his tenure, as well as that of his two assistants.” Toppmöller, 45, was appointed Lille manager in mid-June, succeeding Pierre Sage, and began his tenure with a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the French Super Cup. However, he struggled at the start of the league campaign, earning just four points from four matches, leaving the club in 10th place.