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Malouda disappointed to be left out

Malouda was left out of the starting lineup for France's opening 0-0 draw with Uruguay on Friday and French media speculated the winger had paid the price for a heated exchange with the coach the previous day in training.

A separate report suggested he had not accepted Domenech's decision to make him play a more defensive role, on the left side of midfield rather than on the wing.

"I have always accepted what the coach decided," Malouda said when asked about the reports. "I did expect to start and was surprised not to but it's no drama.

"The day before the match, I made two fouls (in training) and he (Domenech) raised his voice a bit, that was all," Malouda told reporters at France's training camp in Knysna, Western Cape.

"After 2008 I took loads of stick," Malouda said. "It hurt me and it hurt my family but then we went on holiday and they comforted me, telling me they wanted to see me wearing the France shirt again."

The 30-year-old, who has had a strong season with Chelsea and was excellent when he came on against Uruguay, was expected to be back in the starting line-up for France's second Group A game against Mexico in Polokwane on Thursday.

"I'll accept whatever the coach decides," he said. "He's the boss."

"I have 55 caps and have scored just three goals," he said. "I'm not going to solve France's problems all by myself."

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