William Gallas senses a change in Arsenal this
season.
The newly-appointed captain argues that the foundations of Sundays
dramatic comeback against Fulham were laid down on the fields of
Austria while the team were at their pre-season training camp. It
was there the Frenchman, 30 on Friday, noticed a new strength and
solidarity in his side. He believes that was the main reason for
Arsène Wengers side turning defeat into victory in the final seven
minutes at Emirates Stadium over the weekend.
When I came to Arsenal the one thing I wanted to do was win, he
said. Last year was not easy because we had too many injuries but
this season everything has changed. And I can tell you it changed
in pre-season - how the players train, how they fight on the pitch
- and when I saw that I said 'we will do something' this
season.
We have shown everybody already we can fight. Maybe something will
happen this year, maybe we can win something, I don't know. But the
squad is very compact. They want to win and they want to
fight.
The appointment of Gallas as captain has raised a few eyebrows. But
Wenger was quick to point out that his most experienced quartet of
players Gilberto, Jens Lehmann, Kolo Toure and Gallas all have
a role to play this season.
For me the most important thing is the squad, the former Chelsea
player concurred. It is not to be captain.
I didn't think about it but, trust me, I'm happy. When [the boss]
said you will be captain I was very proud and said, 'thank
you'.
I'm 30 years old now and I think I have the experience. I know
Ill have to speak with the young players to give them information
and good advice. I won't have to shout because they know what they
have to do. I have only to speak with them, that's it. I think it's
very good for the squad to speak together.
I'm very proud to be captain of Arsenal because before me you had
players like Patrick Vieira and Tony Adams. Now I just have to try
to do the best job I can.