RCLens is preparing to face ESTAC at 9 p.m. at the Aube stadium, but the match is not only played on the field. Indeed, Troyes recently ended the collaboration with its sports director, JocelynBlanchard, following an internal crisis which shook the club since his arrival in July. According to the ESTAC press release, the termination is effective immediately, without the precise reasons being detailed. The club, however, announced that it would ensure the continuity of the sporting project and that it would soon launch the recruitment of a new sporting director.
This decision comes after several weeks of turbulence. In early October, media such as L’Équipe reported the opening of an internal investigation following reports from employees. The allegations included sexist remarks and inappropriate actions on the part of Blanchard. The City Football Group, owner of ESTAC, mobilized its internal protection system to collect testimonies and examine the situation. The case then took on a legal dimension, with the Troyes public prosecutor's office opening an investigation against Blanchard for sexual harassment against several employees.
RomainMolina, who revealed the existence of the affair, reacted on social networks by emphasizing that ESTAC was unable to further support its sports director and that the public prosecutor also took up the matter. He also raised unanswered questions about how the matter was handled internally. According to him, the situation raises questions about the management of reports and the protection of employees within the club.
For the RCLens, this affair constitutes an element of context before the trip to Aube. The Sang et Or will have to remain focused on their sporting objective against a team whose environment is particularly turbulent. The match against Troyes therefore represents a test of resilience for both teams, each having to manage challenges off the field while seeking to obtain the three points necessary to consolidate their position in the ranking. The next clash, scheduled for this evening, will be an opportunity for Lens to demonstrate its ability to remain focused despite the turbulence surrounding its opponent.