No more Little Thumb’s trick, the surprise effect has passed. The Racing Club de Lens is now advancing uncovered in the Champions League. After two days, the Artésiens are leaders of group B and will try to remain so this Tuesday when they host PSV Eindhoven (9 p.m., Canal + Foot, RMC Sport 1).
A big month after a good draw in Seville (0-0), three weeks after this magical night against Arsenal (2-1), we will have to show the same panache to hope to win again. So of course, the varnish shines a little less but PSV Eindhoven remains a must for European evenings. Leader of the national championship with nine victories in nine matches (30 goals scored, 3 conceded), the red and white team is dashing, like its coach Peter Bosz, much more fulfilled than at OL and who knows so good Racing.
“Of course we can be ambitious and we must be”
Franck Haise says he is not afraid of being overconfident. Conversely, he is also not worried about the club’s mixed results in Ligue 1, 15th and author of a tasteless 0-0 at Le Havre on Friday. “For six matches, there have been positive things beyond the content with three wins, three draws (…) The objective remains, beyond the pleasure, to remain faithful to what we are trying to produce. If there is one thing that bothers me the most and on which I will not compromise, it is what we must do and what we must give. Afterwards, the technical errors, the poorly placed posts, an offside of ten centimeters or unfairly whistled, I understand. What interests me is the content. The results are so random that it’s something else. »
Franck Haise and Jonathan Gradit have been playing together for almost three seasons. 2023 Icon Sports
This speech does not prevent him from aiming high, while a victory would allow him to take a good option at least towards the final phase of the Europa League. “If we put a lot into things, of course we can be ambitious and we must be,” said the coach, who was accompanied at a press conference by his defender Jonathan Gradit. “The Arsenal match, everyone still talks to us about it in the street. It was an achievement, but once again, we haven’t demonstrated anything, there are still four games left. If we think that PSV will happen on its own, we are wrong and going straight into the wall. We will have to play with personality, not be afraid, go and get them,” he insisted.
A direct showdown for the battle at the UEFA index
The Lensois group will be in full force for this second home match, in an arena that is once again sold out. Elye Wahi should start up front after his goal and assist against the Gunners. The only uncertainty concerns the identity of his two supporters, Angelo Fulgini and Adrien Thomasson are in balance alongside Florian Sotoca.
PSV, who are traveling to Bollaert for the first time, will have to cope without their attacking midfielder Noa Lang (5 goals in 13 games this season), who has a hamstring injury. A notable loss for this formation “with real experience” and a “game based on the offensive”, recalls Franck Haise.
The one who was voted best French coach 2022-2023 by his peers also spoke of the rivalry between French and Dutch football. The two countries are in fact competing for the famous fifth place in the UEFA index. This direct confrontation in the Champions League could bring valuable points at the end of the season. As it stands, the Netherlands has a very slight lead (56.5 against 54.8).
Group B ranking after two days
1. Lens (4 points, + 1)
2. Arsenal (3 points, + 3)
3. Sevilla FC (2 points, 0)
4. PSV Eindhoven (1 point, -4)
