Will Still’s decision to step down as Lens manager has sent shockwaves through the French football scene, with the 32-year-old citing personal reasons for his departure. Still, born in Belgium, had been in charge of the Ligue 1 side since June last year, guiding them to an eighth-place finish in the championship. His impressive stint with Lens was marked by a significant achievement, considering he was previously at the helm of Stade Reims.
Still’s partner, Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders, revealed in March that she was battling encephalitis, a serious brain infection. It’s clear that Still’s decision to leave Lens is closely tied to her health struggles. “I won’t be Lens’ manager next season,” Still said after his team’s 4-0 thrashing of Monaco. “For many reasons, the main one is that I need to go home. It’s a logical choice for me to be closer to my partner, for her sake.”
A Sudden Change of Plans
Still’s departure was announced after his team’s convincing win over Monaco, a match that marked the end of his tenure at Lens. The young manager had been with the club for just over a year, signing a three-year contract in June last year. Despite his relatively short stint, Still made a significant impact on the team, leading them to a respectable eighth-place finish in the league.
Prioritizing Personal Life
Still’s decision to prioritize his personal life over his managerial career is a testament to the challenges of balancing professional and personal responsibilities. As he embarks on this new chapter, it’s clear that his partner’s health is his top priority. The news of Saunders’ illness was met with an outpouring of support on social media, with fans and colleagues alike expressing their well-wishes for her recovery.
💬 La terrible annonce d’Emma Saunders, femme de Will Still 🥲💔 :
« Salut tout le monde, malheureusement la vie a pris une tournure inattendue il y a quelques semaines, et je suis maintenant en arrêt de travail pendant que je me remets de l’encéphalite – une infection du… pic.twitter.com/uwAArrHbR5
— La beauté du public lensois (@lbpubliclensois) March 7, 2025