This Wednesday at 9 PM, Lens (currently 2nd in Ligue 1) will face Paris Saint-Germain (1st) at the Stade Bollaert in a postponed match from the 29th matchday of the 2025-2026 season. Ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Lens forward Florian Thauvin (33) shared his thoughts on the game, the opponents, and his aspirations for the French national team during a press conference.
“We’ll all go out together to deliver a great football match.”
With the stakes no longer affecting the title race, what’s the real motivation?
If you’re not motivated to play against PSG, you might as well quit football altogether (smiles). It’s a crucial match, even if we already have a clear idea of the final standings. First versus second, our passion drives us to go out there and play a beautiful game of football.
Did the postponement affect your mindset?
We could debate this for hours—it was a hot topic when the decision was made. But there’s no point dwelling on it now. We can’t change anything, so we’ll focus on the match. It remains a prestigious fixture, and we’ll stay concentrated without creating unnecessary drama.
“Playing at full throttle is the only way to win.”
How’s your physical condition? Are you at 100%?
Absolutely. I’ve had some issues with my adductor but took precautions ahead of big games. Now, I’ve fully recovered, trained hard, and am in top shape to finish the season on a high note.
Are you thinking beyond the final matches? Is Ligue 1 a stepping stone?
The final stretch is always on my mind, but our job is to stay focused on every game. We know where we stand, and these matches are part of our preparation. Playing half-heartedly would be a mistake—we need rhythm, clarity, and intensity.
Do you see yourself in Didier Deschamps’s plans for the French national team? Can this match influence your chances?
Didier Deschamps has a clear vision, as he’s stated before. All I can do is perform consistently until the end of the season, just like I’ve done all year.
“I’m grateful to be part of this squad.”
Have you received a pre-call-up or extended squad list?
I’m on the pre-call-up list, but I don’t have details about an extended squad. It’s nothing new—I’ve been in this position for nearly two years now.
How does it feel to be named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year?
It’s an incredible honor. It’s the result of hard work paying off, and I’m thrilled. It also reinforced my decision to join Lens. This recognition is individual, but I owe so much to my teammates—they could just as easily have been in the lineup. Great football happens through collective brilliance, and I’m lucky to be part of this squad with their incredible support.
Are you staying at Lens next season?
Yes, it’s confirmed. Our mid-term goal was European qualification this season, and I couldn’t be happier with the season we’ve had together in Lens. What could be better than playing Champions League football in our own stadium? I’m over the moon.
Do the matches against PSG and Lyon help you regain match sharpness?
Absolutely. Preparing for a final couldn’t get any better than facing top-tier opponents like these. They’re essentially finals themselves—top of the table clashes.
