Adamo Coulibaly is relishing the chance to play at one of French football's most famous venues, just three years after quitting his job as a factory worker near Paris.

Coulibaly, who was born in the French capital, will lead the line for the Hungarian side at Lyon's Stade Gerland as they go in search of their first points in Champions League Group E.

The 28-year-old is excited at returning to his homeland.

He told www.olweb.fr: "It feels good to speak French and come back here to France. In addition, it is in Lyon, at one of the biggest clubs. It's really nice."

Coulibaly, who arrived at Debrecen in the summer after spells with Poissy and Belgian clubs St Truidense and Antwerp, is urging his team-mates to enjoy the occasion with qualification for the knockout stages long since out of reach.

He added: "We can come here as free spirits and have fun.

"Fun is the watchword.

"If we can get a point that would be nice but we know that Lyon are playing for top spot so it will be difficult.

"We are a new team in the Champions League and have found it difficult.

"The start in particular was hard and we have discovered lots of things.

"But I think over the matches we have found our bearings."

The home side need a victory to have any chance of overhauling Fiorentina at the top of the group.

The Italian club hold a two-point advantage and will guarantee first place with a win at Liverpool.

Lyon's qualification for the knockout stages was secured after last month's 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

That achievement has arguably eased the pressure on coach Claude Puel.

Les Gones started the season looking to reclaim the Ligue 1 title they lost to Bordeaux but have struggled to get the better of Laurent Blanc's men.

Les Girondins are top with Lyon five points back in fourth.

Puel's side looked certain to close that gap when they led 3-1 at Lille at half-time on Sunday evening only for a second half collapse which led to a 4-3 defeat.

There was widespread criticism of Puel and his team afterwards, prompting club president Jean-Michel Aulas to come out and back his coach yesterday.

He told L'Equipe: "When we lose 4-3 at Lille after leading 3-1 then all lovers of Lyon are entitled to be worried.

"The president is even more aware of a club's struggles but there is no self-flagellation here.

"We are fourth in the table. If we are in trouble then you can say the same for the 15 teams below us. The results are not in line with what we had hoped but we are still in control of the situation."

Aulas absolved Puel of any blame for the Lille capitulation, adding: "He has confidence in his squad. He gives his best every day and works hard.

"He did everything possible to prepare his team."