The 1998 World Cup winner spilled a seemingly harmless cross in at his near post during his side's Ligue 1 clash with Sedan on Sunday - handing the relegation rivals a 1-0 win and leaving Les Canaris bottom of the division.

Moments after his mistake he was substituted and chose to leave the stadium before the final whistle.

But Nantes president Rudi Roussillon has confirmed he will not discipline the 35-year-old and claims he still has full faith in his abilities.

"I have spoken to him several times on the phone since Sunday," he said. "There isn't the least ambiguity between us. There is total confidence.

"He explained to me why he left. He wanted to go and tend to himself in peace, at his house. That's fine, I can understand that.

"I felt he was touched by this defeat, that's a sign that he is part of this group and not on the outside.

"There is no problem - he assured me he would do everything to help Nantes escape, as he did when he first arrived (in January).

"A Barthez in the best condition can allow us to stay in Ligue 1. For me, he remains a model professional."