Franck Haise on Lens’ return to form: “We’re not Manchester City. We offer something else, with a lot of heart.”

It wasn’t the start to the season we had all expected for RC Lens, having collected only one point from the first five games in Ligue 1. However, since then the Les Sang et Or have been back on form, to the delight of manager Franck Haise.

Speaking to the press after Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Olympique de Marseille, the Frenchman admitted: “We’re getting results much more aligned with what people expect from us. That being said, we know we still have a lot to improve on.” as transcribed by L’Équipe. Indeed, the club is now on a very positive streak of games, having won four of their last seven Ligue 1 outings, and not having seen defeat in any of those either.

“Perfection doesn’t exist, even less at RC Lens. We’re imperfect but we give a lot” he continued, “Jonathan Gradit’s goal is a symbol. He’s been with us since Ligue 2. He doesn’t have every quality, but has a good few. He has those values of merit, generosity, transcendence and progression.”  The centre-back, nicknamed “the drill“, is now disputing his fifth season in gold and red, having played 136 games with the club, scoring only his second-ever goal for them against Marseille.

“This is our story, our team. We aren’t Manchester City. We offer something else, with a lot of heart, a lot of good things and a true solidity,” added Haise.

RC Lens will now be looking to rest up during the international break, in order to come back stronger for their next league fixture away to Clermont, before travelling to the Emirates for a decisive match towards qualifying for the latter stages of the Champions League, against Arsenal.

GFFN | Alfred Lalande