Preview: Lens Travel to Face PSG

Paris Saint-Germain will welcome RC Lens on Saturday to the Parc des Princes for a clash that sees two teams coming off different results in their respective rivalry fixtures last weekend.

The Parisians are coming off an impressive 3-0 win in Le Classique over Olympique de Marseille while Lens had a heartbreaking loss in the Derby du Nord, conceding two goals in the second half stoppage time to LOSC Lille.

Luis Enrique and his team will attempt to use this match against Les Sang et Or to create positive momentum for their upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Atlético de Madrid on Wednesday.

While PSG have a crucial European match on the horizon, the Spanish manager doesn’t want his squad to overlook Lens, who will be a challenging opponent.

“The players’ mindset is perfect, but we need to stay focused on the next game because it’ll be a difficult one. Lens are a dangerous team that hasn’t lost any of its last six away games.

“I’m expecting an aggressive side that will press high without the ball. They have a top coach – there are nothing but top coaches in this league – and we’ll be coming up against a very good team of technical staff.”

One player who will impact the defensive side of the contest is Ecuadorian Willian Pacho, who has adapted quickly to the PSG squad and the player's form this season hasn't gone unnoticed.

"The stats don't lie; [Pacho is] obviously one of the players that has played the most. We were aware that he would be a very important player when he signed here."

"He helps us in a lot of areas where we need it: winning duels, passing out from the back, being efficient... He wins the ball a lot and is highly efficient in his area of the pitch, so he's a very positive addition for the club."

On Lens’ side, goalkeeper Brice Samba understands that PSG are the favorites, considering they’re the Ligue 1 leaders at the moment and will be playing at home, but he notes that the visitors need to have a particular mindset if they want to leave the French capital with all three points.

“Paris Saint-Germain are built to play at a very high level, and they’re always among the favorites to win Ligue 1. We need to find a way to disrupt them as much as possible with the tactics we’re developing for this match.”

Lens manager Will Still has experience going into the Parc des Princes and leaving with a positive result as he was the manager of Stade de Reims when the club played PSG in a 0-0 draw in October 2022. Still spoke about the trait that his team needs to have to ensure they get back on track after the loss to Lille.

“PSG are a team that will pose strong challenges, featuring high-level players across every position. Individually and collectively, they are seasoned and accustomed to playing in big matches. We need to be ready to match their intensity.”

READ MORE:

>>Profile: Willian Pacho Ready to Become Staple of PSG’s Defense
>>Abdukodir Khusanov, Lens' defensive rock