France's Coupet still bitter at being World Cup reserve

PARIS, Oct 3 (Reuters) France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet has said he still feels bitter about being a reserve at the World Cup and would not spend an evening out with coach Raymond Domenech.

''Mr Domenech and Mr (goalkeeping coach Bruno) Martini, I always said 'hello' to them, even during the World Cup, that's a question of education. But don't ask me to spend an evening out with them,'' Coupet told French daily Le Parisien in an interview today.

The Olympique Lyon keeper had said before the World Cup in Germany that he felt he should be the number one. Domenech preferred Fabien Barthez, with whom France went all the way to the final, which they lost on penalties to Italy.

''All I can say is that last year I was the number one,'' said Coupet, who deputised for Barthez during qualifying, while the 1998 World Cup winner was suspended for spitting at a referee.

''After that, there was a terrible disappointment'', added Coupet, who has become France's number one since the World Cup.

''It was like being kicked in the face.'' Coupet stirred controversy shortly before the finals when he left France's training camp with family and luggage before deciding to return.

''I was being myself when I cracked,'' he said. ''At that moment it was like I couldn't breathe. I had to do it.

''If it had been possible, I would have gone all the way and I wouldn't have come back, but that would have meant offering them my career and I didn't want that.'' Reuters AB DS1723