The return of Satriano and the lowland offensive: RC Lens faces challenges at the heart of the season

The RC Lens is going through a 2024-2025 season marked by an unprecedented offensive effervescence, with an average of 2.97 goals per game, a 21st century record. While Franck Haise’s team is distinguished by its impressive game volume, the Sangs and Gold struggle to realize this potential, with a number of goals scored of only 32 in 29 days (1.10 goals per game), placing them in 14th position of the League 1 attacks. Analysis of the expected goals* (xG) reveals a realism problem: a significant gap between the opportunities created and the goals granted.

Martin Satriano’s return, wounded for a whole season, is eagerly awaited. According to coach Will Still, the Uruguayan has “a profile that perfectly matches the identity of the club” and will wait to assess his adaptation to the intensity of the sessions and the rhythm of the League 1. If Still’s interlocutor, Diego Lopez, remained silent since his clumsy statements in January, had remained in Lens, it is likely that Franck Haeskine would have remained in his post.

Behind the scenes, discussions between RC Lens and Inter Milan focused on an extension of the loan from Satriano for an additional season. This decision aims to assess the player’s real potential before considering lifting the purchase option in the summer of 2026.

Despite this offensive ferocity, the Lens game is considered too stereotyped, excessively dependent on the corridors and lacking percussion in the axis. The lack of a leader able to break the lines and a true finisher is particularly felt. Analysis of the statistics reveals predictability in the last 30 metres, with unset strikes and a lack of spontaneity. In the face of these difficulties, the summer mercato will be crucial for the RC Lens, which will have to avoid errors and fill the gaps identified.