How Lens took on underdog status to become PSG’s main title rivals

This cautious approach, says Parrot, is rooted in the club’s role as the standard-bearer for a former mining heartland.

“As a club that has its roots in the mining companies, and is based in an area with a social housing rate of 60%, we have a responsibility to be financially reasonable,” outlines the director. “I think it’s a historical aspect that we have to respect.”

“The club definitely plays a socio-economic role,” continues Parrot, pointing in particular to the local donations he makes through his foundation. “We’re in a region where the unemployment rate is the highest in the country and the median salary is one of the lowest, so we’re trying to do our part.”

While the town itself has a population of just over 30,000, its considerable catchment area within the Artois region of northern France means it has no problem filling the 38,000-capacity Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

Given the economic downturn the area suffered when the mines closed, it’s easy to draw a parallel with clubs across the Channel also based in former industrial heartlands.

“It sets us apart,” explains Parrot. “Our stadium was built on top of two former mines and is named after the director of the town’s mining company.

“When we sign a player, we give them a miner’s lamp. It’s a symbolic act; we explain how the lamp was used back then, and how it guides Lens players now.”

Every home game, the fans greet their players’ return for the second half with a rendition of “Les Corons,” a 1980s pop song that pays tribute to the area’s mining heritage.

This year, fans deployed an elaborate tifo display to mark the 120th anniversary of the Courrieres mine disaster, Europe’s deadliest accident of its kind, which killed 1,099 local miners.

The club also celebrates Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, by wearing a commemorative shirt each year during a home game in early December.

This year’s Sainte-Barbe game, a 2-0 win over Nice, came in the middle of an eight-game winning streak.

Former Celtic and Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard, Lens’ top scorer this season, scored two almost identical goals, both assisted by left-back Matthieu Udol.

Much of the creative drive in this year’s Lens team has also come from the summer signing of Florian Thauvin. With 10 goals and seven assists in all competitions, the former Newcastle man is even fighting for a place in France’s World Cup squad.

“He is the marquee player we needed this season,” says Parrot about the 33-year-old.

“We may not have the financial leverage, but we can bring other factors forward, such as the trust we place in them and our passion. Those arguments can only go so far though, so their success will help.”

While a derby defeat to Lille last weekend saw them lose ground on PSG, Lens remain the most credible challengers to the league leaders heading into this season’s final straight.

However, going toe-to-toe with the Parisians over the long term remains a tall order for a club that has readily accepted its underdog status.