Lens/PSG – Thauvin opens up: big match, France squad and future | OneFootball

This Wednesday at 9 p.m. (broadcast on beIN SPORTS), Paris Saint-Germain (1st) face Lens (2nd) at the Stade Bollaert in the postponed Matchday 29 fixture of Ligue 1 2025-2026. In a press conference, Lens forward Florian Thauvin (33) spoke in particular about this match and the Parisian opponent, but also about the French national team.

Thauvin: “we’re all going to go out there together and play a great football match.”

The stakes are not what they would have been a month ago? What are they now?

If we’re not motivated to play against PSG, then we should stop playing football, because we’ll never be motivated again (smile). It’s an important match, even if we already more or less know what is going to happen in the standings. It’s first against second, our passion, and we’re all going to go out there together and play a great football match.

Did the postponement affect you mentally?

We could talk about it for hours, it sparked debate when the decisions were made. Now is not the time to go back over it, we can’t change anything. We’re going to focus on tomorrow’s match. It’s still an important, prestigious game, we’re going to stay focused and not make waves.

Thauvin: “It would be a trap not to play at full intensity.”

How are you physically? Are you at 100%?

Yes, I’m at 100%. I had some trouble with my adductor, and we wanted to be careful for the important matches. I was able to recharge well, work well, and come back in top form to try to finish in the best possible way.

Is it possible to think about anything other than the final? Is Ligue 1 preparation?

The final takes up a lot of space, we think about it a lot. But our job is to stay focused on every match. We know our position, but these matches are preparation. It would be a trap not to play at full intensity. We need to arrive with plenty of rhythm and clarity.

Do you think you can be in the France squad? Can this match matter?

I think Didier Deschamps, as he said, already has things clear in his mind. I just need to do things properly right to the end, as I have since the start of the season.

Thauvin: “I’m aware of how lucky I am to be part of the squad”

Did you receive a preliminary call-up? An extended list?

I’m part of the preliminary call-up, but I have no information about an extended list. But that’s nothing new, it’s been almost two years now, so there you go.

Is it a source of pride to be in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season?

Clearly, it’s a great source of pride to be part of the Ligue 1 Team of the Season. It has taken a lot of work, and it’s paying off. I’m very happy about it, it has validated my decision to come here. It’s an individual reward, but I don’t forget my teammates. They could have been part of it too. It’s through a brilliant collective that you can express yourself, and I’m aware of how lucky I am to be part of the squad and of the valuable help from my teammates.

Will you still be here next season?

Yes, that’s settled. In the medium-term project, there was qualification for Europe this season. I’m very happy at Lens and with the season we’ve had together. What could be more beautiful than playing in the Champions League in our stadium? I’m very happy.

Do the matches against PSG and Lyon need to help you get back into rhythm properly?

Clearly, to prepare for a final, we couldn’t have dreamed of anything better. They are top-level opponents. They’re a bit like finals, they’re among the top teams.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.