The defeat in the derby has left its mark. Beaten 1-0 on Saturday by their rivals LOSC Lille, the Sang et Or put in a performance a far cry from their usual standard.

This collective attitude, according to reports in L’Équipe, is said to have raised some questions within the club. Taking the captain Florian Thauvin (33) as an example, who created a huge chance to open the scoring but hesitated with the final touch against an imperious Berke Özer (26), Yannick Cahuzac’s players – who have consistently emphasised the mindset he has sought to instil in his squad since his arrival – seemed overwhelmed by events and stifled by their northern neighbours.

Whilst the situation is not yet critical, feedback from the club suggests that they must now “move on quickly” to get back on track. And with crucial fixtures coming up against Como 1907 in the Champions League this Wednesday and Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday evening, Lens are already heading into a week that could prove pivotal for the rest of their season.