Ligue 1

France coach Domenech agitated over Henry rift reports

00:03 GMT, Sun 15 Nov 2009
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CAPTION CORRECTION - CORRECTING DATE

France team soccer coach Raymond Domenech (R) and captain Thierry Henry hold a news conference upon their arrival in Dublin November 13, 2009. France will face Ireland at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin on Saturday in their World Cup 2010 play off qualifying soccer match.  REUTERS/Charles Platiau (IRELAND SPORT SOCCER)

By Darren Ennis

DUBLIN, Nov 14 (Reuters) - France coach Raymond Domenech threatened to walk out of a post-match news conference after his side's 1-0 win against Ireland on Saturday over media reports of a pre-match disagreement with captain Thierry Henry.

Domenech did not deny reports he had a difference of opinion with the striker over Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira's omission from the squad for their World Cup playoff but said he would leave if pressed any further about the matter.

"I always speak with Thierry Henry, he is the captain after all. We always talk about the game, about tactics. This time he saw the light," Domenech told reporters.

When pressed by a reporter to elaborate on the details of his discussion with the Barcelona player, Domenech replied: "I will stand up and leave if you continue to ask that question."

Officials present at France's pre-match visit to the Croke Park stadium on Saturday morning told Reuters Henry sat alone in the stand while the rest of the squad inspected the pitch.

A deflected goal by Nicolas Anelka in the 73rd minute gave the visitors a slim advantage over the lesser-fancied Irish going into Wednesday's second leg in Paris.

"I feel we are only halfway through. But I feel determined," Domenech said. "There are 180 minutes and 90 minutes to go.

"The Irish played very well and we must be vigilant. Of course, I would prefer to be more than 1-0 up."

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