Grégory Coupet is preparing for his first ever Clasico. The PSG ‘keeper takes time out to discuss Sunday’s trip to the Stade Vélodrome.

Greg, how are you feeling after the loss to Toulouse?
“It was a huge disappointment because we were on the right track. Unfortunately we weren’t able to make the difference. We’re conceding a goal a game but we’re struggling to score ourselves. We don’t have the ingredients to kill off a match. We have the desire, the ambition, the play, the motivation, the spirit, but still not this little goal to set us on our way.”

PSG has taken three points from a possible 15...
“Of the last five matches, it’s been really close, especially considering our ambitions. But I still believe we’re on the right track. We’re playing well and working brilliantly at training. The atmosphere within the squad is good, too. We work hard and we’re united. It would be nice if it started to pay off and we could have a few more points in the standings.”

Guillaume Hoarau was injured (see below) against Toulouse and rejoins the list of injuries since the state of the season...
“It’s a big blow. Since the start of the season we’ve really struggled with injuries. Starting with the DVT of Papus Camara, that’s pretty rare, Erding’s injury... At the moment, we’re doing it tough. We have to grin and bear it and have faith in the excellent work we are accomplishing. The club is in good shape. The right men are in place, they know what they’re doing and there’s a great and healthy atmosphere within the club. Now we just need to get our reward for all that.”

You’re going to play in your first Clasico this Sunday. What does it represent for you?
“I admit that I’m not a big fan of these matches were the tensions surrounding the match are so high. At the same time, I very excited about the idea of playing in such a great event. The Clasico is still the clasico. The derbies between Saint-Etienne and Lyon were extraordinary as well. I really can’t wait. In terms of the match, we’re going to be up against a great team with an amazing squad and a coach that I like and respect. It really is a great pleasure to play in games like this.”

What do you think of the Marseille squad?
“Offensively, they have quantity and quality. I’m going to play Brandao for the first time, I know Hatem (Ben Arfa) obviously and Niang is also a fabulous player, like Morientes too. Defensively, it’s tough! They seem pretty strong all over the park. Now they just have to know how to manage it. And they’ve also got to play every three days. We have to confirm all the good things we’ve shown so far in our play, in our desire and motivation to play good football.”

Hoarau out for at least 5 weeks An MRI scan effectuated on Guillaume Hoarau's right knee revealed a damaged internal lateral ligament. The players' current state requires the immediate and total immobilisation of the knee for five weeks. Only after this period, can he begin his rehabilitation programme.