MAN CITY 3, ARSENAL 0
Gallas must grovel slams Wenger
ARSENE WENGER is demanding William Gallas grovels in front of his Arsenal team-mates or face being kicked out.
The Gunners boss claims his ex-captain still has a future at the club but only if he apologises for the outburst which saw him stripped of the armband.
Wenger summoned his captain to a meeting on Thursday evening after Gallas laid into his colleagues in a controversial interview this week.
The defender was said to have gone 'ballistic' at being stripped of the captaincy and is thought to be extremely reluctant to say sorry.
The club have effectively placed Gallas on 'gardening leave' and are ready to off-load him in January if he does not withdraw his comments.
A Gunners source said: "Gallas went ballistic when he was told by Wenger he had lost the captaincy and the row escalated from there.
"He loved being captain. It was the first time in his career he had held the role at a club. He wanted to remain as Arsenal captain.
"He will find it difficult to apologise for his behaviour, which is the only thing he can do to play for the club again.
"Arsene is not happy with him. He has stuck by him and publicly defended him many times but this has been the final straw."
Wenger was not prepared to discuss the affair, which has rocked Arsenal this week.
After Saturday's soul-destroying defeat at Eastlands, he said: "We can stay here until midnight if you like and you can ask the same questions and I will give the same answers.
"Of course, Gallas still has a future at this club - but it will not help to talk about it now.
"He is a player who doesn't play today, so what can he do for the club today? Nothing."
Wenger told Gallas he wanted him to apologise and take his place in the starting line-up at Manchester City despite the demotion.
But the former Chelsea star was so overcome by anger that he opted to stay in London and train alone.
He remains furious that the interview was made public as he believed the comments were given off the record to a French journalist while on international duty.
He said Arsenal's young squad was not brave enough to challenge for honours and that he felt one of his team-mates - thought to be Robin van Persie - was undermining the squad.
And he could have landed himself in even deeper water when Wenger reads further exerts from the autobiography which Gallas had published in France last week.
In it, he again accuses his team-mates of lacking bottle, although after the 3-0 humbling at the hands of Manchester City - which left Samir Nasri, Manuel Almunia and Alex Song distraught - even the Frenchman's critics would admit he has a point.
Breakdown
Gallas claims his breakdown after last season's 2-2 draw at Birmingham was justified because the result opened the door for Manchester United to surge ahead in the title race.
He said: "A few months after that match, I had a talk with one of United's players.
"He told me: 'William, when you drew at Birmingham, our manager got up and said: Lads, the door is still open and we are going to be champions. We are going to come back at them.'
"That said a lot. It was exactly what I felt the day I blew my top on the pitch."
Gallas was all the more disgusted because he had sensed Arsenal's kids had started to take things easy in preceding games. He explains: "I had the feeling my young ones, confident in the power of our game, were getting less and less involved.
"They were so convinced of winning the title they were beginning to relax. I made efforts to explain they must never lower their guard.
"How could I transmit this determination to maintain direction to the end?"
Gallas accuses his team of failing to handle the shock of seeing striker Eduardo da Silva's shattered ankle early in that fateful encounter.
He adds: "They were no doubt too young to withstand the pressure. They couldn't get a grip on themselves. I felt they had trouble holding the road.
"For me, everything collapsed with that penalty. This was the beginning of the end. That failure said a lot about the state of mind of our troops. I ran across the pitch like a madman, kicked an advertising board and sat down crying in the centre of the pitch.
"Was it a good attitude for a player? No. Was it a good reaction for a captain? No. My attitude was stupid. In hindsight I should have had more restraint. I was carried away by my passion.
"I'd like someone to understand. Not for me to be forgiven, but to be understood."
Aftermath
But this latest outburst will distance him even further from team-mates who want him OUT of the club altogether.
He does not have a single ally in the Emirates dressing room after alienating the rest of the squad over the past year.
He is said to have been involved in a huge row with Cesc Fabregas in the aftermath of Arsenal's defeat at Chelsea, which killed off their title hopes in March.
Gallas does not see eye to eye with the Spaniard and is likely to be irked further if the midfielder is made captain when he returns from suspension.
Wenger's summary of the afternoon's events were wildly at odds with his team's sorry display.
He claimed: "The first goal turned the game. I felt that whoever scored it would have a massive advantage.
"We conceded a goal in first half injury time when they had not created a lot and we had been in control of the game.
"After that they played a lot of the counter attack and we played into their hands. We lacked a bit of maturity but it is not as negative as it will come out. We were focused and we gave everything.
"We are a strong team in a strong club and how deal with this will determine our future.
"We just have to try and win the next game and not set targets that don't look immediately reachable.
"This is not the worst week for me - we have had worst weeks."
This article has 31 comments
Sometimes we should think about why arsenal can not get the champion. i always want to ask a question to Wenger: do you really want this team to be a champion? or just a company or a football younger school?
By Cocu. Posted November 27 2008 at 10:11 AM.
wats d big stick on Gallas all about?,thank God smone has d balls tosay it d way it is, arsene is only avoiding d real issue, i.e Gallas said d truth about the squad, filled with pampers wearing boys , spoilt brats without respect for the senior members and not contributing much to d team, cesc, is so lazy and not contributing to d team, bendthner plays like sissy, and van persie is always down with injuries.nasri, and song are just smthng else, ds guys cant compete at the top level, and making cesc d captain will killl d whole squad. Arsene should take a word of wisdom from ds issue and build a good team or get out of arsenal wit his boys" team
By smart henry- abuja nigeria. Posted November 24 2008 at 11:12 AM.
Wats d big stick on Gallas about?, ds whole thing is funny, and stupid, d guy is d only player with d balls to call a spade a spade,Van persie, has never contributed to d clubs success as much as Gallas, he,s been down with injury all past seasons, cesc, is so slow and big headed losses possesion in midfield like he is training practice,so watsd big deal about them, ds little spoilt brat need to show respect, Arsene is killing arsenal than contributing to eatwith all ds pampers wearing kids playing for us,we canot win trophies with all ds kindergatten and spoilt brats. Listen to words of wisdom from Gallas, it will do Arsene a lot of good. to hell with van persie and cesc.
By smart henry- abuja nigeria. Posted November 24 2008 at 10:54 AM.
Wats d big stick on Gallas about?, ds whole thing is funny, and stupid, d guy is d only player with d balls to call a spade a spade,Van persie, has never contributed to d clubs success as much as Gallas, he,s been down with injury all past seasons, cesc, is so slow and big headed losses possesion in midfield like he is training practice,so watsd big deal about them, ds little spoilt brat need to show respect, Arsene is killing arsenal than contributing to eatwith all ds pampers wearing kids playing for us,we canot win trophies with all ds kindergatten and spoilt brats. Listen to words of wisdom from Gallas, it will do Arsene a lot of good. to hell with van persie and cesc.
By smart henry- abuja nigeria. Posted November 24 2008 at 10:54 AM.
cheers gallas/arsenal at least your keeping us off the back pages,stick with wenger just make sure the wallet comes out in jan.
By happy hammer. Posted November 23 2008 at 11:39 PM.
and they said that arsenal got the better deal after de a.cole saga...
By michael. Posted November 23 2008 at 8:56 PM.
As a talented all round footballer i spotted da flaws long long time ago the spine in da team is not there our keeper is not even rated in da top 10 premier league we should have signed friedel or jusi from bolton who were both available last summer.Toure and gallas 2 similar cesc 2 slow no pace although worth his place in team denillson not good enough bendtner championship striker no higher adebayor can not hold on to ball long enough need to get kanu in 4 training from pompet 2 teach him walcott all speed like lennon of da yids only clichyand bacary can hold their heads high in this bad start.nasri lazy does not help clichy leaving him exposed.ramsey alongside cesc and vella up front when eduardo back 2 strength we will do better. Mr wenger arsenal my team 4 life buy our amazon 6 ft players like b4 ie pires campbell viera henry gilberto edu bergkamp and we may defend corners better.Gallas 2 be reinstated as captain and rest of team 2 show respect and commitment and we can recover 2 win champions league 4get da title this year its gone we can win fa and carling cup love ya arsenal 4 ever
By big p. Posted November 23 2008 at 7:33 PM.
OH I forgot to add that gallas is more passionate about results and trophies than Mr professor. He is right to trash our overated players but he should not have exposed dressing room bust up - therefore on that note he should apologise. Time for diplomacy mr Gallas
By henry. Posted November 23 2008 at 6:59 PM.
All you morons out there who are calling for Wenger's head are not Arsenal fans - you're glory hunting simpletons who probably don't remember what arsenal were like pre Wenger - Bruce Rioch? Don't make me laugh!
Stupid idiots who were probably supporting Man U back in those days - do Arsenal Football Club a favour, don't support it, don't attend matches, and just go away and be quiet.
By Alex. Posted November 23 2008 at 6:58 PM.
Roberto Mancini is the man that can replace Arsene Wenger as the coach. Arsene will be the director.
By barbiturate. Posted November 23 2008 at 6:42 PM.
Unless arsenal want to continue to be also-runs, wenger has got to go. we are grateful for what he has done for the club. Look at major european teams - the milans, the barcas, the madrids even the chelsea second-best is not good enough. Lets give wenger one more season on the condition that he wins something this year. For me the rot started when he let vieira and pires go and I can't help feeling that he won't fight to keep any rising stars. Bolster the team up in January Mr professor and win something this year - even the league cup and ensure a top 4 finish otherwise we might as well say goodbye.
By henry. Posted November 23 2008 at 6:18 PM.
Gallas is right on and every Gunner will wish that every player in the team had that level of passion. Thierry had that anger and honesty as well. His frustration is understandable, I hope when he is back the squad will re-group and re-capture the flair, understanding and strength that Arsene's teams have traditionally demonstrated.
By Sweet Boy. Posted November 23 2008 at 2:39 PM.
When Arsenal players bit Man u. it was all praise after praise .Now the attentiion sicker Mr Gallas has made public what happen here and there plus the loos at man city everypone says that the team is not capable to win anything almost talking as they are relegated .Strange.
By zem. Posted November 23 2008 at 2:48 PM.
Gallas was just expressing how he feels and boy is he right. The team lacks experienced players who can handle the pressure of tough games. We are the most entertaining team in the world of footie, but i would rather we play ugly and win. Leaving Gallas out of the team was not wise, and as for an apology to the team.I dont think they deserve it, they suck and that is the truth.
By ayanda. Posted November 23 2008 at 1:08 PM.
What's all the fuss, OK arsenal have had their worst ever start to a prem season and guess what? they're 2 (two) points behind Manchester United!
By PeeJay. Posted November 23 2008 at 11:48 AM.
It is very sad that this has happened and all the more so at a time when the Club are hit with injuries and Cesc's suspension.
But we must remember that it is only two weeks since we beat Man U and we are in pole position to make it into the next stage of the Champions League.
And we are 5th - not 15th!
If Arsene was to throw the towel in (they will never sack him ----) a new manager wouldn't have a pot of gold to spend either - we are paying for our new stadium. fact.
Deep breaths at this difficult time!
By Mike . Posted November 23 2008 at 11:12 AM.
It will be good for we the Gooner to start thinking of 4th position from now on, it will be stupid of us to think we can still win the League.
The league is gone, Champions League is impossible, F.A cup only mirracle will do it for Arsenal and Carling cup is just for the kids to gather experience. Hence this year will be like last year.
THE TEAM IS NOT RIPE ENOUGH TO COMPETE WITH THE OTHER BIG THREE DUE TO INCONSISTENCY!
GOD SAVE ARSENAL
By S. BAKARE. Posted November 23 2008 at 11:02 AM.
the squad lacks steel.Song and bendtner will not play in any english side. How does one expect them to keep arsenal in the top 4. Mr Wenger, pliz be serious.
By watson. Posted November 23 2008 at 11:07 AM.
Any Arsenal fans who say Wenger should be sacked should be ashamed. Things have not gone our way for 3 years and u turn your back on the manager. Look what wenger has done for the club. You arsenal fans who say this are most likely the fans who boo arsenal when they dont win. You are a disgrace. the last few years have not been good for arsenal when winning trophies but there will be within the next few years because what wenger is doing with the youth team. Wenger will prove you wrong and you will love him. Come on arsenal
By Gary Morley. Posted November 23 2008 at 10:25 AM.
so happy we got rid of him(gallas)!!!!!!!
By chelseafc. Posted November 23 2008 at 10:38 AM.
Wenger should have been sacked long time ago!Why does he think that his job is safe??Time has passed him, he is not up to do the top job anymore whether we( Arsenal fans) like it or not.
Sack him now!
By Peter. Posted November 23 2008 at 8:42 AM.
I think some of us are getting carried away by passion & frustration. Because we are used to winning, when we don't it hurts even more.
Yes I'm frustrated like most other Gooners, but don't forget the last 3 years were exceptional as we had to finance a stadium so money has been tight. The team that Arsene is assembling (still not ready), will come to fruition soon, not only will he again turn them into superstars, a great number will be British. I know we are all desperate to get back to the way it was a few years back, and I agree that a few more experienced heads blended in with the youngsters would have been better, I can't help believing with a passion that it will come good soon and my god when it does, we are all going to call Arsene a genius once again.
Just think how amazing it's going to be to dominate for years to come, with a team we have built & success that is not bought!!! We just need to find that leader cos Gallas is damaging moral not nurturing it.
I just read an article that Piers Morgan wrote in the daily mail, and he questioned if Arsenal should now part company with Arsene, although I respect his views, he should have held back and not let his frustration get the better of him. Hopefully as time goes by, and the team comes together with proper leadership, he will realise he was too hasty with his comments.
Arsene "still" knows & I for one, still very much believe in him.
By Goonerman. Posted November 23 2008 at 8:29 AM.
wenger must go gallas is right the team has no guts to grind out result fabergas must lave for barcelona to win trophy
By pablo. Posted November 23 2008 at 7:52 AM.
Guys your making the guy a scape goat. Gallas is not the problem the problem is Wenger being stubbron. Everyone says he dosent spend big money lets look at a few, Ramsey 6mil teenager, adi 10mil unknown held the club to ransom last summer, reyes 20 mil what happened to him?
He spends big amounts on kids but if you dont have a spine to teach them how to play it wont work. Gallas is being stood up to by van persie who lets face it this has been the 1st year hes played 4 games on the trot i bet hes on 60k+ hes a kid whos beenout for 4 year.
Flamini is a good person to sight to he stayed in the backround and got givin his chance and was brillient for you he said pa me what i want or ?
And how many more is that going to happen to? You can buy all the talent in the world but when it comes there time that there the big name they dont really have loyilites to Arsneal there the big name when you bought them.
I think yous play good football but yous dont really have a team wheres the 30 yo arsneal through and through player yous always had? Looking at the kids yous could have the best team ever in 4 year but how many of them will say no to 100k/week to play in sunny spain or italy? Thats the fault in your system man.
By Willie. Posted November 23 2008 at 5:58 AM.
I don`t disagree with what Gallas has said, i just don`t agree with the way he did it, perhaps its a wake up call for the Arsenal board, to have a major discussion with Wenger on his tactics, I agree its a bold step to promote the youngsters, but you need a good mix of experience and fresh blood which is lacking....perhaps its time for Wenger to have a re look at how things are going......
By Vik. Posted November 23 2008 at 6:59 AM.
Wenger is a crap,he is d reason behind d whole defeat.thanks to gallas for revealing d secreat.why benching vela 4 bentner.also ramsey and wilshere
By Sammy. Posted November 23 2008 at 6:54 AM.
Wenger has to go, along with Gallas. Time to bring in a new manager to the club, someone like Mourinho.
And yes, Cesc will be a great captain, with ROsicky as the deputy.
Three cheers for Arsenal!
By Jason Lee (SINGAPORE). Posted November 23 2008 at 4:50 AM.
I very much support you SawboRob. Its also time for the fans to demand more from the club. Arsenal fans pay more for tickets in Europe than any club. They deserve more respect.
By jullo. Posted November 23 2008 at 2:54 AM.
when u are bleeding to death , the 1st thing u do is stem the blood flow .
Inject new blood , is Arsene a Jehovah Witness or just lost the plot ?
By Dave. Posted November 23 2008 at 2:05 AM.
Let's get real eh. All Gallas has done is expose the crap that's been going on behind closed doors, which Wenger has failed to sort out. Yes, it is easy for the Wenger lovers to blame Gallas, but thanks Willy for letting the truth out of the bag.
By Dalton B. Posted November 23 2008 at 1:56 AM.
A month ago I wrote to you. stating Mr Gallas should have been fined, stripped of the Captaincy and Transfer listed after the Birmingham game last year, it has taken from then until now for the inevitable to happen. Mr Gallas deserves all the abuse that comes his way, and I hope that Mr Wenger now sees the light, and adds insult to injury, by placing Mr Muppet Gallas on the Transfer list, the sooner he is gone the better for everyone!
Now moving on, Mr Wenger again shows he is blind to everything other then his point of view, listen to anyone who watches the team regularly and they will all tell you, that the squad is not good enough to win major trophies, the midfield is weak, Denilson is not the answer, and Bendtner upfront is quite frankly a joke of a strker for one of the Top 4 sides, that and the dire attitude of Gallas probably means that Top 4 this year may well not happen.
Mr Wenger you have reduced the great Arsenal team, to the same level of pathetic performances as the team down the road, who were until 3 weeks ago the laughing stock of the Premier League, until of course, Arsene, you allowed us to become exactly that.
Your time has come, do the decent thing and resign, alternatively Mr Hill-Wood, the time has come for you to stand up and be counted, enough support for a man who has quite frankly "lost the plot".
By SawboRob. Posted November 22 2008 at 11:54 PM.