Reports have suggested that William Gallas has been stripped of his Arsenal captaincy and dropped from the squad.
France Football is the source that claims the defender has finally been made to pay for his verbal attacks on his Arsenal teammates. Not only that, he will not make an appearance in Saturday's match at Manchester City.
He will reportedly have to forfeit the armband to either Gael Clichy or Manuel Almunia. Although the reports haven't been confirmed by the Gunners, it shouldn't come as a surprise.
Arsene Wenger may have finally run out of patience with the 31-year-old French international after a series of incidents dating back to last season.
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On Thursday, Gallas said the Arsenal team was "not brave enough in battle" and added that the squad was being hurt by the attitude and actions of one player.
During France's terrible Euro 2008 tournament, Gallas apparently singled out a player who he felt was disrespecting older members of the squad. It was written in his autobiography.
As a result, a training-ground confrontation ensued between the pair.
"I was also 20 years old once. I would never have allowed myself to speak in this tone to a footballer who was older than me,'' Gallas wrote. ''The youngsters from the Euros seem cheeky, very sure of themselves. They think they know it all, but they don't know anything."
Last month, when Arsenal blew a 4-2 lead late in the north London derby with Tottenham, Gallas reacted furiously.
It was similar to his behaviour at the end of last season's match with Birmingham City when the Gunners had to settle for a point after conceding a late penalty for a 2-2 draw.
With these actions, it seemed like it was only a matter of time for Gallas to lose his status as captain.
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about 1 month ago
He is out out out
http://arsensox.blogspot.com/
from about 1 month ago
Yup, I know. The editor changed my title and put a question mark in.
about 1 month ago
I hate editors
about 1 month ago
gael clichy as captain of arsenal? i never really saw him as captain material, he doesn't really seem vocal enough. although almunia i think is a good choice for captain. i actually think gallas was a good captain, but if he is going to be replaced, then almunia should take his place as captain.
from about 1 month ago
It'll be interesting to see who gets the armband Yoosof.
about 1 month ago
What happened to Kolo Toure? I thought he was an excellent captain in the absence of Henry and was quite disappointed that Gallas was chosen ahead of him. If Gallas has been stripped of the armband now, I wonder what works against Kolo being named substantive captain. Does an injury cause one to lose his leadership qualities?
from about 1 month ago
Health is something that has to be taken into consideration. You need a guy that can play the whole season, not one that's constantly injured.
about 1 month ago
i think they should get a new leader like viera.Under his leadership they were known as "invincibles".
And i also think that they should atleast two center backs like mertsacker and nesta.he should buy an experienced midfielder who can command the midfield.
As far as gallas is concerned he is a good defender but not a good leader.he doesn't support the youngsters but instead he lashes out at them.I think he should be stripped of his leadership.
from about 1 month ago
fabregas can command the midfield and there's still rosicky and eduardo coming back from injuries. I agree that they need a veteran midfielder though to keep these guys in check.
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