Lens and psg face off: thauvin’s take on the high-stakes clash and his french team hopes

As Wednesday’s 21h kickoff approaches—live on beIN SPORTS—the Paris Saint-Germain (currently top of the table) will take on Lens (second) at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in a rescheduled Ligue 1 fixture from matchday 29 of the 2025-2026 season.

In a pre-match press briefing, Florian Thauvin, the 33-year-old attacking midfielder for Lens, shared his thoughts on the upcoming duel with PSG, the club’s ambitions, and his own path toward a potential call-up to the French national team.

Thauvin: “We’re heading into the match united and ready to deliver a great game.”

What’s the real motivation behind this match, given the current standings?

If you’re not excited to face PSG, you shouldn’t be in football anymore. This is a game that matters—even if we already have a sense of where the final table might land. It’s the top team against the runner-up. We’re going out there as one, passionate and determined to play good football.

How has the postponement affected your mindset?

We could debate this for hours, and it did spark discussions when the decision was made. But now isn’t the time to dwell on it—what’s done is done. We’re shifting our focus entirely to the match. It’s still a high-profile game, and we’ll stay locked in without creating unnecessary drama.

Thauvin: “Half-hearted effort would be a mistake.”

Are you fully fit right now?

Absolutely. I’ve been dealing with an adductor issue, so we took precautions ahead of key fixtures. Now, I’ve had time to recover, train properly, and come back in top shape to finish the season strong.

Is it hard to think beyond the final stretch of the season?

The league title race is on everyone’s mind, and it’s natural to focus on it. But our job is to stay sharp for every single game. We know where we stand, but these matches are also part of the preparation. Giving anything less than 100% would be a mistake. We need intensity and clarity from the first whistle.

Do you see yourself in Didier Deschamps’ plans for the French national team? Could this match influence his decision?

Didier has his own vision, as he’s mentioned before. My focus is on doing everything right until the end of the season, just like I’ve done all year.

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

Have you received a pre-squad call-up? Any updates on extended lists?

I’m in the preliminary squad, but I don’t have details on any expanded lists. That’s nothing new—it’s been the case for nearly two years now.

How does it feel to be named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year?

It’s a huge honor to be included in the eleven. It’s the result of a lot of hard work, and I’m thrilled. It also confirmed my decision to join Lens. While it’s an individual recognition, I owe so much to my teammates—they could just as easily have been selected. Success comes from a brilliant collective, and I’m aware of how lucky I am to be part of this group and to have their support.

Are you planning to stay at Lens next season?

Yes, that’s confirmed. The mid-term project included securing European football this season, and I’m loving life at the club. There’s nothing more exciting than playing Champions League football in our own stadium. I couldn’t be happier.

Do matches against PSG and Lyon help you regain rhythm ahead of the final stretch?

Absolutely. These games are like finals—they’re against top teams near the top of the table. There’s no better way to prepare for the decisive moments ahead.