LOSC Lille officially began their pre-season preparations for the 2026-2027 season on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Domaine de Luchin training center.
A total of 25 professional squad members took part in the first day of medical and physical assessments.
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However, new manager Davide Ancelotti was not present, as his arrival has been delayed following Brazil's elimination from the World Cup.
Ancelotti's Delayed Arrival
The 40-year-old Italian tactician was appointed on June 1, 2026, to succeed Bruno Genesio, but his start was postponed due to his role as an assistant coach for the Brazilian national team.
Brazil was knocked out of the World Cup in the round of 16 on July 5, 2026, after a 1-2 defeat to Norway.
Lille president Olivier Létang decided to give Ancelotti some recovery time before he arrives in the coming days to be officially presented and take charge of his first training session.
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Squad and Staff Updates
The returning squad includes newly extended forward Olivier Giroud, captain Benjamin André, and winger Ethan Mbappé, along with new defensive signing Loun Srdanovic from Servette and returning loanee Mohamed Bayo.
The technical team has been finalized, with Benoît Delaval returning as performance director from July 12, 2026, joined by four new assistant coaches and goalkeeper coach Rémy Vercoutre.
The club stated that the staff will support Ancelotti in implementing his playing project.
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Lille is scheduled to play friendly matches in mid-July 2026, ahead of the Ligue 1 season opener in the second half of August.
