Franck Haise praises ‘extraordinary’ Brest ahead of crucial match for Lens

RC Lens on Saturday evening will host Stade Brestois as they look to force their way into the European positions. 

Lens struggled in the early parts of the season to match their previous season’s efforts where they chased Paris Saint-Germain’s title until the final day. The club had to adjust to the summer departures of Loïs Openda (24) and Seko Fofana (28), and have slowly found their rhythm as they look to mount a late push for a European place. 

Sat in sixth ahead of this weekend, only three points separate them from AS Monaco in third and they will be hoping a victory over Brest can continue their momentum towards the promised land. 

However, Brest will be no easy task . Like Lens last season, Brest have mounted an impressive campaign that sees them well-positioned for a Champions League place as they search for a runners-up finish. 

Ligue 1 Review: Eric Roy spearheading Brest's unlikely Champions League charge.

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The parallels between the two sides have not been lost on Lens’s manager Franck Haise, “Like what we experienced last year, they’ve been experiencing for 24 game weeks, it’s extraordinary. They are having an extraordinary season but it’s totally deserved, you don’t record 46 points in 24 games by chance.

The manager continued to lavish praise on his opposition in his praise, “ They’re strong when it’s necessary to be strong, they know how to work in positional attacks, direct attacks, in transition, they’re strong on set pieces .” 

Haise noted, “ I am not one of those who think that Brest will collapse, I think they will finish second, I am almost convinced of that .” 

GFFN |