This Wednesday at 9pm (CET) Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Lens (2nd) at the Stade Bollaert in a rescheduled match from Matchday 29 of Ligue 1 2025-2026. In a press conference, Lens striker Florian Thauvin (33 years old) spoke about the upcoming match and their Parisian opponent, as well as the French national team.
Thauvin: “We’re all going to play a great football match together.”
Isn’t the stakes the same as they would have been months ago? What are they?
“If we’re not motivated to play against PSG, we might as well quit football, we’ll never be motivated again (smiles). It’s an important match, even if we already more or less know what’s going to happen in the standings. It’s first against second, our passion, we’re all going to play a great football match together.”
Did the postponement affect your thoughts?
“We could discuss it for hours, it was a topic of debate when the decisions were made. Now’s not the time to dwell on it, we can’t change anything. We’re going to focus on the match tomorrow.” This is still an important, prestigious match, we’re going to stay focused and not make any waves.
Thauvin: “It would be a trap not to play our best.”
How are you physically? Are you at 100%?
Yes, I’m at 100%. I had a bit of trouble with my adductor, we wanted to take precautions for the important matches. I was able to recharge well, train hard, and come back in top form to try and finish in the best possible way.
Is it possible to think about something other than the final? Is Ligue 1 preparation?
The final occupies a lot of our time, we think about it a lot. But our job is to be focused in every match. We know our position, but these matches are preparation. It would be a trap not to play our best. We have to arrive with a lot of rhythm and clarity.
Do you think you can be on the French national team roster? Can this match count?
I think Didier Deschamps, as he said, already has things clear in his mind. I have to do things properly until the end, just like I have since the beginning of the season.
Thauvin: “I’m aware of how lucky I am to be part of the squad.”
A preliminary call-up received? An extended list?
I’m on the preliminary list, but I don’t have any information about an extended list. But it’s not new, it’s been almost two years, so there you go.
A source of pride to be in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year?
It’s definitely a great source of pride to be part of the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. It’s been a lot of hard work, and it’s paying off. I’m very happy about it; it reinforced my decision to come here. It’s an individual reward, but I haven’t forgotten my teammates. They could have been included. It’s through a brilliant team effort that we can express ourselves. I’m aware of how lucky I am to be part of the squad and how invaluable my teammates are.
Will you still be here next season?
Yes, it’s official. Qualifying for Europe this season was part of our medium-term plan. I’m very happy at Lens and with the season we’ve had together. What could be better than playing in the Champions League at our stadium? I’m thrilled.
Should the matches against PSG and Lyon help you get back into the swing of things?
It’s clear that we couldn’t have dreamed of a better match to prepare for a final. They are formidable opponents. They’re a bit like finals; they’re among the top teams.
