France boss admits to keeper row

Coupet (left) was reportedly unhappy that Barthez was first choice

France coach Raymond Domenech has confirmed he did have a row with reserve goalkeeper Gregory Coupet, but has played down the incident.

Coupet was reportedly unhappy at Domenech's decision to name Fabien Barthez as his number one choice.

He was seen leaving the training camp in the French Alps resort of Tignes.

"Yes there was a problem between us and we had a heated exchange. He lost his head - that happens. A World Cup is not easy to handle," said Domenech.

"Everyone has to deal with the stress. He left and came back by himself. It all happened very quickly.

"But the problem has been resolved, We spoke about it between ourselves and as far as we are concerned the matter is now over. End of story."

The French squad will stay in Tignes until Friday when they travel back to their Clairefontaine base outside Paris.

Barthez was the first choice goalkeeper for France in their glory years when they won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

Coupet, who was part of the Olympique Lyon side that won a record fifth successive Ligue 1 title last season, said he felt he should be the number one.

But in announcing his squad earlier this month, Domenech said that he was re-appointing Barthez as his top goalkeeper for Germany.