William Gallas has issued a thinly veiled attack on his
Arsenal paymasters, with the French defender having been outspoken
in his criticism of the club's buying and selling policy, along
with what he perceives to be a lack of ambition.
Having moved across the capital last summer in swapping Chelsea for
Arsenal, Gallas endured a season of disappointment, as his former
club secured a cup double and Arsenal finished the campaign fourth
and without silverware.
His mood has hardly been lightened in the close-season either, with
the departure of compatriot and talisman Thierry Henry having not
sat well with the experienced stopper.
Gallas has in the past spoken of Arsenal's over-reliance on the
youth Arsene Wenger champions, with his opinion being that
experience needs to be added, in order to cajole and nurture a side
of talented but raw starlets.
"What is sure, is that several players are questioning the club's
future," Gallas said in an interview published on his personal
website.
"Around us, all the teams are recruiting but what is planned to
compensate for the departure of Titi Henry (to Barcelona)?
"I am not at Arsenal to play for third place. It is necessary to
recruit players of reputation because the young players have many
qualities but the season is very long.
"The young players are thirsty for victories but Arsenal must
obtain results to gain titles. If not, one will have to change
policy and do the same as the other teams: recruit with more
means."
Gallas is set to return for pre-season training on Wednesday but
before he begins to plan for a new campaign, he will seek talks
with both Wenger and the club's board.
"I will have a discussion with Arsene Wenger and board members to
know the objectives of the club this season and what they wish to
set up to build an even more competitive team," he concluded.
"Today I am at Arsenal but I do not know what can occur tomorrow.
It all happens so quickly in the world of football."
