Lens coach and captain outline winning mindset ahead of Trophée des Champions clash with PSG

RC Lens will go into the Trophée des Champions with a clear game plan and high confidence, according to head coach Dino Toppmöller and captain Florian Thauvin on the eve of the showdown with Paris Saint‑Germain at Stade Bollaert. Both stressed that the squad is physically ready and mentally focused after a productive pre‑season that combined intense training sessions with detailed video analysis.

Toppmöller highlighted the tactical continuity that has defined Lens in recent years, noting that the team will press high, dominate possession and keep the opponent under constant pressure. “He is very present at training, works a lot on the video, wants to push forward and apply a big press on the opponent – it’s a continuation of what Lens has done,” he said, underlining the importance of collective effort over individual brilliance.

Thauvin, who will wear the captain’s armband for the first time this season, spoke about the emotional weight of the match and his personal milestones. “Scoring 97 Ligue 1 goals was extraordinary – I dreamed of reaching 100. It’s a pride and an honour, and I want to keep adding to that tally,” he said, adding that the upcoming final feels like a new dream, comparable to his return to the French national team.

Both men acknowledged PSG’s pedigree, with the Parisians having won the French Super Cup 14 times and recently clinching two consecutive Champions League titles. “They are the most titled club and arguably the best team in Europe today. There is no debate – we respect them and will try to give them problems,” Toppmöller remarked, emphasizing that Lens will treat the encounter as a final and aim to win the trophy.

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The preparation period, has been “very positive, in good humour and hard work.” He praised the squad’s balance between attack and defence during the previous season, which saw Lens finish second in Ligue 1 and lift the Coupe de France. “We have a great vibe, we’re happy and we feel fulfilled in this club – those values will continue this season,” he added.

Lens also noted the support of their fans, despite the Collectif Ultras Paris boycotting the match. “Our supporters are more behind us than ever and they believe in us,” Toppmöller said, pointing to the atmosphere that will greet the team at Bollaert on Sunday.

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While acknowledging PSG as favourites, both the coach and captain insisted that Lens will not be intimidated. “We expect a very difficult match, we know them well, they won the Super Cup, but we will give our maximum,” Thauvin affirmed, promising an aggressive start and a relentless pursuit of the trophy.

The final preview sets the stage for a high‑stakes encounter that could define Lens’s ambitions for the 2026‑27 season. With a clear tactical blueprint, a motivated captain, and a squad eager to prove themselves against Europe’s elite, the Sang et Or aim to turn their recent domestic success into a historic victory over PSG.