Arsene Wenger has warned William Gallas he must learn to
lead by example on and off the pitch after the Arsenal boss snubbed
Gilberto Silva by installing the France defender as his new
captain. It seemed an odd decision by Wenger, akin to promoting the
school's problem child to head boy in an effort to channel his
energy with extra responsibility.
Gilberto admitted he was shocked and "upset" to read the story on
the club's official website and Wenger was forced to explain his
thinking in a meeting with the Brazil midfielder. The manager
appeared uncharacteristically sensitive on the subject when it was
raised in the build-up to the Champions League qualifier against
Sparta Prague here tonight.
Gallas developed a reputation as a serial moaner and a disruptive
dressing-room influence during his time at Chelsea and it was one
of the reasons Jose Mourinho agreed to let him join Arsenal a year
ago. Wenger said: "Gallas has to be an example everywhere not
just on the pitch and I have spoken to him about that. I don't
know how he behaved at Chelsea but this year he is a very positive
influence.
"I respect Gilberto a lot. He did a good job last year. We have had
an eye-to-eye meeting and I told him what I wanted to tell him and
that's it. "He was not in the group last week and that's why what
happened happened. I've nothing more to say. I cannot justify every
small decision and explain it to everybody."
Gilberto started his pre-season late after captaining Brazil in the
Copa America but he was an impressive stand-in Arsenal skipper for
much of last season. Mentally strong and calm, he was seen by many
as the natural successor to Thierry Henry and had expected to
inherit the job full time when Henry left for Barcelona.
Gallas, in contrast, grumbled his way out of Chelsea last year,
often complaining publicly about being forced to play out of
position and unhappy that he was not offered the contract he felt
he deserved. His attitude did not appear to have changed this
summer when he criticised Arsenal on his website for failing
replace Henry with bigname signings.
But he admits his new role brings new demands and promised to
change. "I'm aware that being club captain is not only a job on the
pitch but also away from it," said 29-year-old Gallas. "I have to
give a good example in everything I do and I will do that. You will
see a new William Gallas this year.
Wenger will hope his controversial decision will inspire a response
from Gallas similar to the one from Patrick Vieira when the
captaincy helped the midfielder overcome his own disciplinary
problems to mature into one of Arsenal's finest players.
The last 3 captains of Arsenal
have all been frenchman... Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and now
Gallas... Coincidence or favouritism from Wenger? Anyway who was
their captain before Vieira anyone know?
