Wenger backs under-fire Gallas

Mar 28 2008

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has backed his captain William Gallas and maintained there is no problem with the Frenchman’s leadership of the squad.

The Gunners have found themselves overhauled at the top of the Barclays Premier League by both Manchester United and Chelsea following a run of just four points from five games after last weekend’s defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Former Blues defender Gallas has come in for criticism following his reaction to the last-gasp draw at Birmingham when he broke down in the centre-circle, as well as a controversial magazine article commenting on Theo Walcott’s development.

Following the loss to Chelsea, the veteran French centre-back went over to the travelling support and threw his shirt into the crowd, which he insists was nothing unusual or any kind of statement.

Wenger, though, maintains the 30-year-old is the right man to lead his young Gunners forward.

He said, “I believe he had not the best of performances on Sunday, and he would be the first to agree with that, but I don’t question his leadership nor his position in the team.

“You have the same William Gallas – and the same people said it was a good choice to make him captain when we were five points ahead, and you have not to go too much overboard.”

Wenger maintained he had no problem with his captain’s comments concerning Walcott.

The Arsenal boss said, “He said Walcott could be the next Wayne Rooney, but he has to work. What is wrong with that? You want at 18 to not work? It’s unbelievable.

Wenger believes Gallas is an easy target during what has been Arsenal’s worst run of form in nine seasons.

He said, “I believe at the moment when you don’t go well, everybody is analysed a little bit more, but what we want to do is perform well as a team again and we know we can do that.”