Lens vs PSG: Thauvin hints at high-stakes clash with french giants

The highly anticipated Lens vs PSG showdown, originally scheduled for the 29th matchday of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, finally kicks off this Wednesday at 21:00 CET (live on beIN SPORTS). With Paris Saint-Germain leading the league and Lens in second place, the atmosphere at Stade Bollaert promises to be electric.

In a press conference, Florian Thauvin, the 33-year-old Lens forward, shared his thoughts on the clash against the French champions, his team’s ambitions, and his personal journey in football.

Thauvin: “we’re heading in together to deliver a beautiful football match”

What makes this match different from others?

If you’re not motivated to face PSG, you shouldn’t be playing football at all — that much is certain (smiles). This is a crucial match, even if the league standings might already feel predetermined. It’s the first against the second, our passion, and we’re all heading in together to deliver a beautiful football match.

Did the postponement affect your mindset?

The debate around the postponement has been ongoing, but now isn’t the time to dwell on it. We can’t change the past, so we’ll focus entirely on the game. It’s a high-stakes, prestige match, and we’ll stay sharp without making unnecessary waves.

Thauvin: “it would be a mistake not to give it our all”

Are you fully fit for the big game?

Absolutely. I’ve had some issues with my adductor, so we took precautions for important matches. I’ve had time to recover, train properly, and return in top shape to finish the season the best way possible.

Is it possible to focus on anything beyond the league final?

The league final is always on our minds, but our job is to stay focused on every single match. We know our position, but these games are part of our preparation. It would be a mistake not to give it our all. We need to arrive with rhythm and clarity.

Do you believe you’ll be called up for the French national team soon?

Didier Deschamps has a clear vision, as he’s mentioned before. I just need to keep doing things right until the end of the season, like I’ve been doing since day one.

Thauvin: “I’m grateful to be part of this squad”

Have you received a pre-call-up for the national team?

I’m on the pre-call-up list, but I don’t have details about an expanded squad yet. This isn’t new — it’s been almost two years.

How proud are you of your Ligue 1 Team of the Year inclusion?

It’s a huge honor to be named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. It reflects a lot of hard work, and I’m thrilled about it. It also reinforced my decision to join Lens. While it’s an individual reward, I wouldn’t be here without my teammates — they deserve just as much recognition. We’re a brilliant collective, and I’m grateful to be part of it.

Will you stay at Lens next season?

Yes, it’s confirmed. The goal was European qualification this season, and we’ve achieved it. I’m happy at Lens and proud of what we’ve accomplished together. What could be better than playing in the Champions League at our own stadium?

Are the upcoming matches against PSG and Lyon the right preparation for the final push?

Absolutely. To prepare for a title-deciding run, you couldn’t ask for tougher opponents. They’re among the top teams, almost like finals in themselves.