Gregory Coupet: “Padel reminds me of my goalkeeper reflexes”

When International Club Cup Padel, we had the opportunity to discuss with Grégory Coupet, former iconic goalkeeper of theOL and France team. Passionate about paddle, Gregory looks back on his beginnings in this sport, which strangely reminds him of his former position on the football pitch. He also shares advice for footballers who would like to get started in padel, as well as the importance of abstract and patience in this sport. Between kindness and conviviality, Coupet reveals himself with humor, ready to challenge his former opponents or football comrades, in particular the goalkeeper as Anthony Lopes or even the attacker Didier Drogba.

A move reminiscent of that of a goalkeeper

First, it's a sport very friendly et playful, so I had fun right away. Then there's a move that reminds me a bit of goalkeeping, so I'm not really lost.

The net climbs, the movements offorward-backward, it's like in a goal, except that in padel, you do it in pairs. The support when the opponent arms his shot, the lobsters, it's all very similar to what I did in football.

I often tend to position myself under the ball, like a goalkeeper. This is my biggest difficulty. With shots like the Vibora or Bandeja, I learn to adjust my positioning, to be a little more to the side, which is not natural for me.

This also allowed me, when I arrived at Bordeaux , to meet a lot of people from different backgrounds. There is a social side that is really fantastique.

Football friends, be patient!

I think you have to be patient. It is important to set the basics like the play against the glass and placement. For footballers, the concepts of corner work, ball hitOr two-player game are already familiar. But the key is to take the time to adjust.

I think squash also helped me a lot, especially in understanding the window return and angles. You shouldn't panic, and it takes time to master these aspects. Afterwards, it's also a question of abstract. I remember that at first, when my teammate gave me information contrary to what I had in mind, it confused me. But with repetition, it becomes natural.

As in the goalkeeper position, we must automate the gesturess, but at paddle, there are subtleties. For example, you have to talk to your teammate without turning around. It's a technique in its own right. It's a sport where the abstract is essential, but you also have to know how to listen.

Padel, more benevolent than football

In padel, communication and relationships are much more benevolent than in football. We give advice rather than reproaches. Even opponents, when they are more experienced, give you tips. I love this state of mind.

But be careful, I continue to play football, especially with the old guys from theFrance team or Lyon, but padel has become my real passion. I am willing to travel anywhere to play it, even to Malaga like today. My wife is also a fan of padel, and we often play in mixte.

And then, it's perfect for our age. As long as we don't play against young people, we can compensate and above all have fun.

I'm waiting for Anthony Lopes on the track

A part between guards, that would be really nice. I'm waiting for them on the field! I'm thinking of Anthony Lopes, obviously goalkeeper at OL. I also played with Benoit Costil et Steve Mandanda, they too are comfortable with this sport. It's logical, we find a lot of goalkeeper reflexes in padel.

My top padel players who come from football

I would say Vincent Candela, who has a very nice technique, Robert Pires, which doesn't look impressive but brings everything back, and Patrick Müller, with whom I played in Lyon. He is incredible on a padel court.

I want to challenge all attackers

I want to challenge all the attackers ! I have some scores to settle. (laughs) Maybe Didier Drogba. He is someone I admire a lot. I would like to see him again on a padel court, it would be a great pleasure.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.