As the clock strikes 21:00 this Wednesday, football fans across France will turn their attention to the Stade Bollaert in Lens. There, the home side—currently second in Ligue 1—will host the league leaders, Paris Saint-Germain, in a highly anticipated clash from matchday 29 of the 2025-26 season.

In a press briefing ahead of the fixture, Florian Thauvin, veteran striker for Lens at 33 years old, shared his thoughts on facing the capital giants, the broader stakes of the match, and his personal ambitions, including a potential return to the French national team.

Thauvin: “We’re going all out to deliver a thrilling football spectacle”

What drives a team when the title race is effectively decided?

Lens’s attacking midfielder, Thauvin, made it clear that motivation doesn’t wane—even when the outcome of a match won’t shift the top of the table. “If you’re not excited to play against PSG, you shouldn’t be playing football,” he said with a grin. “This is a high-stakes game, one of prestige, and we’re stepping onto the pitch united, ready to give our all and play beautiful football.”

Has the postponement of this fixture weighed on your preparation?

He acknowledged the debates that arose when the match was rescheduled, but stressed that dwelling on the past would be unproductive. “We’ve moved on. Now, it’s about focus—this is a big game, and we need to stay sharp without overcomplicating things.”

Thauvin: “Half-speed isn’t an option against elite teams”

Are you fully fit and ready to go?

“Yes, I’m in top shape,” he confirmed. “I’ve had some minor adductor issues, so we took precautions ahead of crucial matches. But now, I’m fully recovered, refreshed, and eager to finish the season strong.”

With the Champions League final on the horizon, how do you balance focus between domestic and European ambitions?

Thauvin admitted that the upcoming final looms large, but emphasized the importance of treating each game as its own priority. “Our job is to stay locked in every single match. We know where we stand, but these fixtures are part of our preparation. Playing at less than full intensity would be a mistake. We need rhythm, clarity, and purpose.”

Could this match influence your chances of a surprise call-up to the French national team?

He expressed confidence in Didier Deschamps’s decision-making process, noting that his focus remains on performing consistently. “I just have to keep doing what I’ve been doing all season—doing things right.”

Thauvin reflects on Lens’s remarkable season and future ambitions

Have you received any indication of a pre-squad call-up for the national team?

“I’m part of the preliminary squad,” he said, “but I haven’t had updates on the final list. That’s nothing new—it’s been almost two years now.”

It’s been a standout season for you. How does it feel to be named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year?

Thauvin called it a “huge honor,” crediting the collective effort of his teammates. “It’s a personal reward, but I know it’s only possible because of the brilliance around me. My teammates deserved spots just as much. It’s a reminder of how lucky I am to be here—and how much their support means.”

Are you planning to stay at Lens next season?

“Absolutely. This season’s goal was European qualification—a target we’ve achieved—and I couldn’t be happier. Lens feels like home now. What could be more exciting than playing Champions League football in our own stadium? It’s a dream.”

Do the upcoming duels against PSG and Lyon help sharpen your competitive edge ahead of the final?

“These matches are like finals themselves,” he concluded. “They’re against top-tier opponents, and they’ll help us regain match sharpness—exactly what we need.”