Lens host Toulouse on Friday night at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in aLigue 1clash.
Victory for Sage's men will take them to within a point of Ligue 1 pacesettersParis Saint-Germain(PSG), who entertain Lyon on Sunday night at the Parc des Princes.
Lens play Toulouse again on Tuesday night in the semifinal of the Coupe de France. On 24 April, they play at Brest in Ligue 1.
"We have a group that isnt very experienced in winning," said Sage.
"Theres a difference between competitors and champions. Right now, were on the boundary between the two. I hope well quickly adopt the habits needed to become champions rather than just competitors."
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Serial winners
PSG possess the habits and know-how Sage says he wants for his team.
They won six trophies in 2025: the French Super Cup, Ligue 1, Coupe de France,Champions League,theEuropean Super Cupand the Fifa Intercontinental Cup.
Last Tuesday, in the second leg of theirChampions Leaguequarterfinal against Liverpool, PSG displayed the grit and guile of serial winners.
They absorbed sustained pressure from Liverpool in the first 20 minutes of the second half at Anfield before Ousmane Demblstruck twiceto give PSGa 2-0 win and a place in the semifinals for the third season on the trot.
PSG will take onBayern Munichin the first leg of the Champions League semis on 28 April.
Before then, there are also games in Ligue 1 against Nantes on on 22 April and Angers on 25 April, as PSG continue their quest for a fifth consecutive top-flight title and a record-extending 14th overall, as well as back-to-back Champions League crowns.
Lens are hoping to join PSG in the Champions League.
"The games against Toulouse are crucialfor the rest of our season," said Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser.
"Were heading into the final stretch and well see if weve got what it takes," added the 21-year-old Frenchman.
"We want to reward ourselves with the title or at least securing a place in the Champions League as soon as possible. We also want to win the Coupe de France and make history at this magnificent club."
Originally published on RFI
