The time is right for Coupet

Wise words
Thus, if Coupet says that Lyon's first game of the UEFA Champions League is "the best time to host a team like Real Madrid [CF] because they have key players out and have just started their league campaign", it means the whole team will enter the pitch on Tuesday with three points in mind.

Infrequent outbursts
Former Lyon coach Paul le Guen taught the goalkeeper to "be more reflective and speak out less often". Thus, on the infrequent occasions when he does speak his mind, everyone takes notice. Last season that came after Lyon's 2-1 win against AC Sparta Praha, which the goalkeeper described caustically as: "A lucky victory and a disgrace for some of the players who did not act like professionals."

Vital element
With 375 Ligue 1 appearances to his name and 58 more in European competition, the French international has become a vital element in the squad that has won four successive French titles. He was even team captain for a while before handing the armband to an outfield player, saying: "It's more efficient."

All-round ability
"There are many keepers who can impress with a save, or a game or a handful of games," said Lyon goalkeeping coach Joël Bats - a 1986 FIFA World Cup semi-finalist with France. "But Greg is at this level in every game. He's easy to train because he loves the job and all the details."

Goalkeeping skills
Since he joined Lyon in 1996/97 from local rivals AS Saint-Etienne, fans have had few reasons to doubt him. One young keeper at Lyon's academy said of Coupet: "His most impressive move is diving at strikers' feet," but his aerial ability has also improved enormously over the years.

Rising star
Born in nearby Le Puy-en-Velay, Coupet's stature has grown in tandem with the club's emergence as France's powerhouse. With Lyon now being the undisputed best team in France, Coupet is regarded as the country's best goalkeeper, with his peers giving him that title for three seasons in succession.

France chances
However, he has only picked up 15 caps for his country, thanks largely to the form of his respected colleague - but not friend - Fabien Barthez. "Fabien is the No1," sighed Coupet. "I accept that. He has been a European and world champion and plays well for Les Bleus. I just do my bit and work for the team."

Barthez woes
Barthez has had a difficult few months, however, having been handed a long suspension after spitting at a referee, and with Coupet continuing to show excellent form, the former Manchester United FC custodian may yet be ousted from his first-choice slot before the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals.

Main priority
Making the first team for France might be a target for Coupet, but his absolute priority is in no doubt. "The main target this season is a fifth crown with Lyon," he said. As one of only three Lyon players to have won the previous four titles with the club along with Sidney Govou and captain Claudio Caçapa, a fifth successive title would see all three players break a French record.

'Us winning'
However, Europe will be a more than exciting sideline for the goalkeeper. How did he assess Lyon's Champions League chances? "At this level anything can happen, including us winning the title," he said.