Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels Tomas Rosicky will play a
key role when he faces his former side Sparta Prague in Wednesday's
Champions League qualifier.
Wenger said: "It is a game where Tomas is a bit more under pressure
than others because of the extra scrutiny.
"But he is classy and I feel he is at the age where he can get the
right balance in the final third.
"He is sharp, quick and lively. We want him to give key passes and
score goals - and I am convinced he will."
Wenger also expanded on his decision to hand William Gallas the
captaincy when many others expected Gilberto Silva to be given the
role - including the Brazilian midfielder himself.
"William means he has to be an example everywhere, not only on the
pitch - but off the pitch as well and he is right," said
Wenger.
"I was pleased with his attitude and the way he took on his role. I
expected him to do that.
"Overall the important thing is that the team has that type of
unity and togetherness and desire.
"I think the captain is an important position - but it is not as
important as the team spirit."
And team spirit, according to Wenger is very high - despite reports
that Gilberto was upset that he only learned he would not be
captain via the Arsenal website.
Wenger added: "I respect Gilberto a lot. I had a face-to-face
meeting with him and told him what I wanted to tell him. "
"I cannot justify every small decision, and explain it to
everybody. You make a decision because you just want to make the
right one."
And Wenger revealed that Arsenal's come-from-behind win against
Fulham on Sunday has further enhanced the togetherness of the
squad.
"I learnt what I knew before from the preparation - that we had
great unity and desire and a great hunger as well," said
Wenger.
"This came out in the game because we won a match that we certainly
would not have won last year."