Reims’ Will Still describes Lens as “the best team in Ligue 1.”

Following his team’s defeat against RC Lens (2-1), Stade de Reims coach Will Still cut a frustrated figure, and bemoaned the way in which his side “gave” Le Sang et Or the win.  

Despite being a man up for over an hour, the Champagne club conceded a costly penalty that allowed Lens to get back into the match and start the comeback before Seko Fofana got the decisive winner in the second half. 

Still conceded Lens’ superiority describing them as, “the best team in Ligue 1”. However, as much as he respects Franck Haise’s men he also felt that his team gave the game away. He explained, “We were in almost a perfect situation. Then we nearly committed suicide by offering a penalty; I cannot understand that”

He continued, “I have a lot of regrets, frustration. We had the feeling that Lens did not win, we gave them the game. For 25 minutes, we put a system in place which greatly disrupted the best Ligue 1 team at the moment,” The mistake he was referring to was the penalty that was awarded against Reims for Agbadou’s push on Thomasson. 

The head coach, in his first year of management, bemoaned multiple shortcomings, including the mentality of his side. He emphasized the importance of managing emotions and key moments before the game, but they were unable to do so. Despite his respect for Lens, Still felt that his team was too passive and did not play at their level.

“We were too passive. We watched Fofana’s amazing action instead of being proactive. We lost to a team that was stronger and smarter than us,” said the Reims manager in a post-match interview, transcribed by RMC Sport. 

GFFN | Tony DesRois