"I know what it's like to take a beating in the Champions League": Haise's message of support for Cahuzac after Lens's 9-1 defeat

Haise, Lens's former manager, showed empathy for Cahuzac after the 9-1 defeat to Como, recalling his own 6-0 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League.

Two days after Lens's historic 9-1 Champions League defeat to Como on Wednesday, French football rallied around the club. PSG manager Luis Enrique called it "an accident that can happen to any team," while Franck Haise, who managed Lens from 2020 to 2024, offered measured perspective in a Friday press conference.

Haise acknowledged the scale of the scoreline was shocking but noted Lens had won three and drawn three in their other six European matches this season. "The Champions League is merciless," he said. He drew on his own experience, recalling a 6-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates in November 2023. "I have empathy for Cahu because I know what it's like to take a beating in the Champions League," Haise explained. "For the players, the coach, the staff, these are very difficult moments. But there's nothing else to do but go back to fighting."

former Lens manager Cahuzac admitted Friday he made poor decisions at half-time when the score was 3-0, hesitating between shutting down the game or introducing fresh attacking options. "I lacked clarity at that moment," he said. Lens host Marseille on Sunday looking to bounce back immediately.