Toppmöller Speaks Out After Surprise Sacking: 'I Was Stunned by the News'

German manager Dino Toppmöller, who was dismissed by French top-flight side Lens after a brief tenure, has admitted he was left "stunned" by the decision. Speaking on the Spielmacher von 360Media podcast, he said: "Being sacked came as a huge shock and a total disappointment. I was completely stunned. It was a massive blow to find out that my assistant was being kept on while I was shown the door."

His assistant was Portugal's Nelson Morgado, whom the German described as "very loud, very demanding, and constantly in conflict with everyone." However, Toppmöller insisted that being able to look himself in the mirror matters far more than keeping his place in the French club's dugout. Appointed Lens head coach on June 16 this year, he kicked off his reign with a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain to claim the Trophée des Champions. Yet on September 15, he was relieved of his duties with a record of three wins, one draw, and two defeats. Toppmöller, who previously led Eintracht Frankfurt in their Europa Conference League play-off clash against Levski Sofia, revealed he is eager to return to the touchline soon. "I certainly won't be taking a sabbatical," he said.