Before the upcoming Northern derby between LOSC and RCLens, Lille midfielder Benjamin André spoke warm words towards his former rival, Yannick Cahuzac, the coach of the Lensois club. In a press conference, André underlined the mutual respect which has always characterized their meetings, recalling that the two men share a common past in Corsica and have often faced each other, first at Sporting de Bastia then in Lille and finally in Lens.
Benjamin André, who played during the Corsican era, recalled that he and Cahuzac, both from Ajaccio, knew each other well. He spoke of the many duels they fought, notably when he played in Lille and when he was in Bastia, then when he was in Lens. According to André, these confrontations were always intense but marked with respect, because the two players shared a lot of common knowledge. He added that he was looking forward to seeing Cahuzac succeed in his new role as coach, also praising Jean-Louis Leca, the club's former goalkeeper.
The interview highlighted a more human side of the Northern derby, where rivalries on the pitch do not suppress the personal bonds that have been forged over the years. André said every meeting with Cahuzac was a pleasure, even if it took place on opposing sides. He stressed that mutual respect remained intact, despite the fierce competition.
Friday night's match promises to be a classic clash between two Ligue1 sides, but it is now clear that the personal history between André and Cahuzac will add an extra dimension to the event. Supporters of Lens and Lille will thus be able to appreciate not only the quality of the game, but also the camaraderie that crosses the boundaries of rivalry.
As the derby approaches, both clubs are preparing to face their opponents in a duel that could decide the relative position of the two teams in the rankings. While coaches finalize their strategies, players must stay focused on the main goal: winning the match and cementing their place in the competition. The result of this meeting could influence the next weeks of the season, both for LOSC and for RCLens.