Christophe Galtier is in need of a lift from his Paris Saint-Germain players when they face Lens in a huge Ligue 1 clash on Saturday following such a turbulent week.
It emerged on Friday that Galtier has initiated legal proceedings after the PSG head coach was accused of making racist comments about players during his time as Nice boss.
Galtier, who denies the allegations, has been faced with calls for him to resign just over nine months after he took charge.
The 56-year-old has expressed his gratitude for the support he has received as leaders PSG prepare to face second-placed Lens on Saturday, when a victory at Parc des Princes would put them nine points clear.
Stats Perform pick out the standout Opta data for the big showdown in the French capital.
PSG must focus to gain revenge over Lens
Lens beat the champions 3-1 at home on New Year’s Day courtesy of goals from Przemyslaw Frankowski, Lois Openda and Alexis Claude Maurice.
Les Sang et Or are unbeaten in three matches against PSG, who responded to back-to-back home defeats at the hands of Rennes and Lyon by winning 2-0 at Nice last time out.
Lens are the only team the Parisian giants have not beaten in Ligue 1 since the start of last season.
PSG will be looking to avoid losing three consecutive home matches in the French top flight for the first time since April 2021.
Lens on a roll
With four consecutive Ligue 1 victories, Lens will arrive at Parc des Princes riding on the crest of a wave and knowing they must continue their excellent run to stay in the hunt for the title.
A tally of 63 points from 30 games this season is their best to date in the competition.
This is Franck Haise’s side’s longest winning run in Ligue 1 this season, and a double over PSG will have Galtier’s men looking over their shoulders.
Mbappe on the brink of making more history
Kylian Mbappe will become PSG’s leading all-time goalscorer in Ligue 1 if he finds the back of the net this weekend.
Level with Edinson Cavani on 138 goals, the France forward will also become the leading scorer for a Ligue 1 club in the 21st century with his next strike.
PSG’s record goalscorer has not netted against Lens in three games against them, so this would be a great time for him to set that record straight.
Messi to emulate Mbappe and Hazard?
With 14 goals and as many assists in Ligue 1 this season, Lionel Messi continues to deliver time and again.
The Argentina captain could become the third player to score at least 15 goals and provide 15 assists in a Ligue 1 season since Opta starting records began (2006-07) after Eden Hazard in 2011-12 (20 and 16) and Mbappe in 2021-22 (28 and 17).