The way we're going to do this is by focusing almost exclusively on tactics. I'll give you the important facts of course, but I want to keep this lean and digestible.

On that note, I will be leaving thoughts on Andy Diouf and Spurs-linked Abdukodir Khusanov at the end of the thread - but I'll mainly try and focus on things from Still's perspective. I'm aware most people want to know just about him, not necessarily about Lens 😆

BACKGROUND FACTS - Still took over at Lens in the summer - He failed to win Qual. playoff for the UEFA Conference League group stages 👎 - His side sit 7th (a good position for them) - Have the seventh-worst attack - But the second-best defence (behind PSG)

Still has used a 3atb for most of his time so far. Makes sense. His predecessor, Franck Haise, was wedded to 3atb. However, Still has spoken about transitioning his side towards a back four, a system he deployed recently against Reims.

The interview is actually really fascinating, as he speaks a lot about wanting to reduce the spaces between his players to facilitate quicker passing. Link here: https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/15...

Now you have the key facts, let's talk more in detail on the tactics. I'm basing my notes off watching Lens against PSG, Reims, Marseille, Lille, and Nantes :)

M2M PRESSING: Still stands out in Ligue 1 for his side's commitment to complete m2m pressing. Just check out these screenshots to get a taste of it. Their PPDA is also the third-highest in Ligue 1.

The only time Lens tend to shift to a more zonal approach is when opposition teams reach their defensive third. At that point, common to see Lens drop into a full 5atb, or a 4-4-2. Now, let's break down the nuances.

The first thing that I find interesting about this approach is the pressing triggers, and the emphasis on cover shadows. If you're not a nerd: ▪️Triggers = the signal for the team to press high ▪️Cover shadow = Who is behind a player as they press

Against Reims and Nantes for example there was a clear trigger to press; when their DM would receive the ball. At this point, a deeper Lens midfielder would rush forward and then press the keeper.

The idea as I see it, is to try and gamble on forcing the GK to go long by keeping all of his short options marked, including the midfielder in the cover shadow of Lens' player pressing

Another key tool Lens use to press is fouling. They've committed the highest fouls p90 in Ligue 1 so far, and I find this mainly comes from the CBs. They're tasked with tracking forwards pretty deep, so unsurprising they end up fouling.

I think there are two areas however, where Still could look to improve his side. The first being the gaps between his players the oppositions. Here against PSG for example, they just create problems for themselves with Danso way far off his player, and PSG play through.

They're able to get away with the distances usually, but I think if Still moves to the PL, he'll need to work on making his side tighter to their man if he wants to stick with the complete m2m approach 😅

The other area I think is worth highlighting, even if it is more down to the players he has, is Lens losing the long balls too often.

Against Reims, who just wanted to hit long, too often they were able to win the first and/or second ball. This just means Still's side had to keep racing back towards their own goal to defend. Their press just made it easier for Reims to hit direct.

Overall though, I think Lens are pretty well-coached off the ball, and there's a clear identity to the way they defend. The fact they have defended well in both a 4atb and 3atb is also promising 👍

BUILD-UP This is the area of Still's side where I am most positive on. Put simply, I think he has some lovely ideas on how to create space inside an opposition's block and his side consistently recognise the chances to progress the ball forward ➕

In the first phase, Lens tend to use their GK and three CBs to form a back four, with two CMs dropping in to form a double pivot. The idea here is to draw the opposition narrow, and create space for the wing-backs.

The GK, former Forest player Brice Samba, often ends up hitting diagonals to these WBs - to varying degrees of success.

However, Still tends to use Florain Sotoca as a wide target man to increase the chances of these long balls landing at a Lens' players feet. I've found this to be pretty effective.

As Lens move forward, we see Still's side take a markedly different approach to his former Reims side and, really, to what a lot of other coaches do. He encourages flat lines during build-up, rather than staggering his players on different lines.

Now on the surface, this doesn't look great. No one between the lines, little options for progression.

However, the effect this has is that opposition teams then get drawn into defending in flat lines themselves. This creates space btl, and Lens time different counter-movements to open up angles and find players in this space.

It's hard to describe or show this, but generally speaking, Lens' players have a terrific understanding of space and how to exploit it. This is probably also down to the fact the last coach did an amazing job over a few years, getting Lens into the UCL.

But, Still's Reims side were praised for this reason too. So, I like to think Still deserves credit for this as well!

They also utilise players floating between the midfield and frontline to try and drag defenders off the defensive line as well. David Costa in particular is a really nice player at fulfilling this task (see bottom of pic)

And even when using a back four, Still also looks to encourage his wide CBs, particularly Facundo Medina, to push forward and provide overloads.

This sequence for example, shows LCB Medina pushing onto the opposition's defensive line, pinning the FB, and allowing for a Lens forward to run in behind.

Like I said, all of this is great. The approach play tends to be really nice from Lens. Unfortunately, it's been let down in the final third. Let's talk about that...