Coupet: ‘An important match’

Goalkeeper Grégory Coupet made no secret of his desire to beat Lyon, his former club, this Sunday at the Parc des Princes.

Grégory, how do you feel on the eve of taking on your former club Lyon?
“When you spend 11 and a half years in one club, and when you experience such incredible things together, obviously that creates a strong bond. On Sunday, I’ll meet up with a family I know very well and respect and with whom I still have very good relations. It’ll be a special match. Honestly, it’s going to be great, a real pleasure. I’ve caught up with everyone, the players, the staff, the board... plenty of good memories and I can’t wait to see them all again.”

Do you regret leaving Lyon?
“No. I needed to leave. They offered me a new deal, but I wanted to experience something different, live something different. It was also a family decision. I really don’t have any regrets. If it didn’t work out in a sporting sense at Atletico Madrid, it was still an incredible year. And it also helped me find all the motivation I have today.”

Are you worried after the 2-0 loss to Monaco?
“Not at all. It was disappointing because we’d worked well for two weeks, with a great atmosphere, in preparation. We played well against Monaco despite the terrible conditions. We got caught out on a counterattack but that also means that team was trying to attack and play football. We showed ambition, the desire to attack and not settle for the draw. We could have sat back, closed out the game. The coach pushes us to get forward, constantly. It’s not the type of defeat to leave you doubting.”

Is the match against Lyon even more important after the Monaco loss?
“I don’t think so. I play every game to win, especially at home. The Parc des Princes needs to be our impenetrable fortress. Whether we’re playing Lille or Lyon, we need to win. Lyon aren’t unbeatable. We have respect for everyone we play, but I Sunday, we’ll be looking for the three points. It’s an important match – a match to win.”

Mevlut Erding and Stéphane Sessegnon will be missing. Is that a big handicap?
“We’ll miss them both because they are both great players. But we can’t focus on that. These moments are all part of a season. It’s a shame for "Sess". As for "Mev", anyone can get injured. We have to cover these absentees with hard work and our excellent team spirit. Their replacements will fit-in in the best possible way and give the absolute maximum. We have to keep the faith and not start doubting.”

What do you think of Hugo Lloris, the man that replaced you in the Lyon goal?
“I think he’s an incredible player, remarkably consistent. He was solid and efficient Fiorentina in midweek. He’s more mature than I was at that age. He’s much better than I was at that age. His mentor, Joël Bats, will take him right to the top of the tree. He’s going to become a truly great goalkeeper.”