Lens: Cahuzac's mea culpa after humiliation against Como in Champions League

Cahuzac admits tactical and emotional failings after Lens's historic 9-1 Champions League defeat to Como; the club faces Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Lens suffered a historic humiliation at home on Wednesday, losing 9-1 to Como in the Champions League — the worst defeat in French football history. Manager Yannick Cahuzac, in his first two months in charge, took responsibility for the collapse in a Friday press conference, citing tactical and emotional failures. He acknowledged hesitating at half-time (when the score was 3-0) between defensive adjustments and attacking changes, and said his lack of clarity contributed to the subsequent 6-0 run that sealed the rout.

Defender Jonathan Gradit echoed the manager's assessment, describing shame, frustration and anger in the dressing room but emphasizing collective responsibility. He stressed that the squad must show character and unity to move past the defeat, with leaders like himself and Florian Thauvin needing to address attitudes and hold teammates accountable.

Lens have little time to dwell: they face Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday at 20:45. The club's supporters have already shown their displeasure, and another poor result risks deepening the crisis.