Paris  - France international striker Thierry Henry has denied a media report that he criticized the competence of team coach Raymond Domenech.

In an interview on TF 1 television late Monday, the France captain admitted that there had been "a discussion" with Domenech just ahead of the September 5 qualifying match with Romania, but that his comments had been "distorted."

"I did not question the coach's abilities. There was no clash," Henry said.

The daily Le Parisien had reported Monday that Henry told Domenech, "We have no idea how to play, where to position ourselves, how to organize ourselves. We don't know what to do. We have no style, no guiding idea, no identity."

Henry said the discussion between the players and Domenech was typical of "what often happens in a group. But it was a rather productive discussion."

However, the Barcelona striker refused to divulge what was said. "This discussion must remain between the players and the group," he said.

The 1998 World Cup champs are struggling to qualify for the 2010 finals. After the 1-1 tie with Romania on Saturday, France are 4 points adrift of group leaders Serbia, whom they play Wednesday in Belgrade.

Even if France win that tie, they will very likely be forced to play off to reach next year's finals in South Africa. (dpa)