"The life of a footballer is made of highs and lows," he said, "and you have to learn to live with both. Naturally, we would all prefer to be winning all the time and playing well, but that is not always possible. I accept that because I feel very privileged to be doing this job. I couldn't go around moaning, for that would not be right. I think I am the luckiest man in the world."
For a time, Barthez was also the most talked-about keeper on these shores, as he made a number of costly mistakes last autumn (most notably against Deportivo La Coruña in a Champions' League match at Old Trafford and then in a Premiership game with Arsenal at Highbury), following up by having a disappointing World Cup before starting the new season injured. Once he was the first name on any team-sheet; now questions were suddenly being asked of the 30-year-old.
"People have been wanting to know how I've coped with the setbacks," he said. "Well, I think I've shown them with my performances." Has the criticism hurt? "I've been my own biggest critic for 11 years," he snapped, "so I don't really pay much attention to what others have to say."
Has he ever felt that his position as No 1 for both club and country was under threat? "Nobody can be sure of their place, apart maybe from someone like Zidane, but I have always been lucky enough to enjoy the full support of my managers. It makes me laugh when I read stories about new keepers being brought in to challenge me [most recently, rumours circulated that West Ham's David James was on the verge of a move to Old Trafford], because I know the truth. I speak to Ferguson every day, and we have a very close and honest relationship, so I know what's what."
"There were times last season when I went through difficult patches, but the reaction of the fans and the management team was superb. They showed faith in me, and that helped a lot."
"Like the team, I am taking great pleasure in playing well again," Barthez said. "There has been no panic whatsoever, because we know exactly what we're capable of. Ferguson is by far the best coach I've ever had. He only needs 15 minutes to get his message across, and then he is back to his old relaxed self. That's why he enjoys the full support of the players."