William Gallas is being told to ‘Shut It‘ by all and sundry for his forthright comments. Since arriving William has had plenty to say, mainly airing his grievances against Chelsea and Mourinho. However, in the last couple of days he has turned his thoughts inwards on the Club’s personnel. In an interview with L’Equipe, he said:
“It has been my most difficult season for a long time, the most difficult part was remaining unclear. If I had known from the beginning that I would need three months, I would have accepted it. But at first they told me it was a cramp, when in fact it was a strained muscle. Do I have something against the Arsenal medical staff? A little, yes, with the error in diagnosis. The doctors did then do their best for me to come back, but in the end my season has not been satisfying.
I knew the Arsenal team was young, but day after day I have come to understand they really miss experience…We made mistakes that experienced players would never do. When I left Chelsea I knew we would remain behind for at least one year. We play very, very good football, but that is not enough. We have to fight, and have a killer instinct in front of the goal. We can’t always rely on Thierry and the youngsters have to understand it. Our young players have to do more.”
The first thing to say is I do not actually understand why everyone is getting bent out of shape about this. Yes, I know he has a lot to say for himself and that annoys people but he also had a lot to say when he was at Chelsea, its just that we never bothered reading about it then because we didn’t, and still don’t, care about them.
The comments reported in the UK are extracts from the interview. Has anyone bothered to read it all? Do we know that the translation we are being fed is (a) what was said and, (b) is anyone allowing for the fact that each language has its own nuances, something that reads as an attack in English could be a general comment in French. The first thing that you have to say is that his frustration is understandable. His season has been blighted by injuries, in common with a disproptionately high percentage of the squad. Had they all been fit, who knows what may have been achieved. The Medical Staff do their best but in this case, initially they got it wrong. For the player though that is little comfort and led to a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Without checking, this could have been the longest WG has been out of the game through injury and read any interview with a player in a similar position and they will say that they hate it.
The extracts tell the truth about the season, about what has been wrong with the side. He has not said anything about individuals. He has not criticised Le Boss, he has acknowledged that his own season has been frustrating, the squad have found it frustrating. What he is saying is that the young players lack the leadership that experience brings on the pitch – exactly what we have all been saying throughout the season. What he is saying is that we play the best football but sometimes you need to play ugly to win – exactly what we have all been saying throughout the season. What he is saying is that we don’t score enough goals – exactly what we have all been saying throughout the season. If people believe this should have been kept in the Dressing Room, fine. But I would rather read the truth than someone pulling the wool over my eyes by pretending all is rosy in the garden. I sincerely doubt that any member of the squad will be surprised by the interview, moreover if anyone disagrees with that then they should look at the results and performances since the start of the season. A lot have been good and they may argue that they have not always had their just reward for playing well; however, there is a school of thought that believes you get what you deserve over the course of the season and we have not been consistent enough.
So if people got their knickers in a twist over Gallas, presumably they will do so after reading Cesc Fabregas interview in this morning’s News Of The World. Fabregas repeats his recent assertion that United would be worthy Champions noting that their players fight for the team and are in tremendous form but that the players at Arsenal have not performed to a high enough standard,
“We are Arsenal and we have the obligation to be at the top. The history at this Club is winning trophies and playing great football so the fans are right to say we should have done better this season…This season there will be nothing and that’s hard. To be so many points behind United is not good enough…It was also disappointing to go out of the Champions League to PSV Eindhoven. We had the chances to beat them…We must score more goals. This season we have had the opportunity to kill games off but we just haven’t done it.”
Someone tell me the difference between the words of Gallas and Fabregas. The Spaniards are more diplomatic but that is probably his nature. They mean exactly the same thing. Fabregas does show his love for the Club and its place in the game although someone ought to give him a video of the 60’s through to Wenger’s arrival because there have been long spells when we have seen some bloody awful football that belies his belief that the Club have a history of “playing great football“.
Tomas Rosicky also wades into Chelsea – Fabregas had a dig as well – claiming they are boring the pants off of everyone and that he could never play for them – neither could Fabregas – and he has no idea of how Michael Ballack is doing. Tellingly, he comments,
“Chelsea are incredibly productive. But Arsenal have players who are more attractive to watch. We just need to find the finishes to go with our work in the build up.”
My God! Its an uprising in the Dressing Room! All of the players are complaining! Good, it means that they are not happy with the results this season. It shows that there is a desire to win, not just create pretty passing patterns. If I were Arsene, and I can assure you I am not (yeah, I know you find that hard to believe, but I’m not, honest), I would be very happy to see such dissension. They are not criticising the end, nor the means to get there, just their own execution of instructions. I believe its called constructive criticism, unless of course your name is William Gallas.
Oh, and for all those expecting to see any comment about England’s match in Israel, here it is. You wonder why Arsene won’t sign English players.
‘Til tomorrow.
What he says about the team is fair and reasonable. But you do not need to come out and complain about the medical staff in public do you? What some people are complaining about is that he comes out with these things EVERY WEEK, and although they are true, you do not have to express every thought in public. He should express them in the dressing room every week. Thats all really, so I think people are right to tell him to ’shut it’ because it gets boring.
By: Hothead_Gooner on March 25, 2007
at 9:33 am
I think we should take it all with “a pinch of salt” but it does give us something to talk/whinge about when the bloody awful internationals are on.
Cesc & Bill are stating the obvious, but I don’t suppose Bill has a medical degree. Perhaps he should reserve his judgement on the team until he has played somewhat more than he has.
It reminds me of the time we were getting little reports from Paddy at a time when he wasn’t exactly at his best.
I do agree however that if they have to talk it is better to come out with the truth,as they see it,rather than the sugar sweet interviews you get in the official programme.
By: Flint McCullough on March 25, 2007
at 9:43 am
I feel William probably does not go out of his way to be critical every time something goes wrong its probably the media who are after a story and know they are going to get a comment from him as he appears to be the sort who will speak his mind. However i agree he should realise this now and choose when to spout off whether he is right or not. He is right about the team though as all of us Gooners know i just hope he shows his world class pedigree next season because he and Kolo at the back will be awsome when they get a chance to play with each other which up to now because of injuries hasnt happened hardly.
By: veteran on March 25, 2007
at 9:46 am
A hurting word is better spoken out than keeping pressure in one’s life. Truth is truth no matter where it is spoken out. If truth can be spoken out, how about a fact? William is right and his nature should be accepted; we are different. Or ask him politely. personally i find the phrase “shut it” rude !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: mubiru on March 25, 2007
at 9:53 am
It’s the fact that Gallas blames the young players for the team’s fault. Anyone can see that at times this season any number of the team, but especially Ljungberg, Aliadiere, Baptista, Hleb, Senderos amongst other have been lacking in some way. So his comments about young players are innacurate fo a start.
That’s not the point though, singling out players for blame, being it one individual, like his comments about Hleb post PSV, one group of players, like the youngsters or the foreigners at Man City, is not
on and won’t help, especially when your so new to the team.
Fabregas’ comments speak for the whole team and himself and are a statement pretty much of fact. He takes it a group that he himself is part of rather than passing the buck.
Also the comments about medical staff are annoying, don’t need to be said and are rude.
By: edmondy on March 25, 2007
at 10:36 am
C’mon guys!
Do you not feel Bill has got it totally right? For the last two seasons, we have beset by injury problems constantly. Whilst Bill and I may not know the exact reasons, its about time someone started asking some questions of Gary Lewin et al. Remember last seaons playing 8 different left backs? This season we have had Henry, van Persie, Rosicky, Gallas, Baptista, Walcott and Eboue all miss long periods of the season or get injured repeatedly. Something is wrong and it isn’t good enough. It doesn’t happen to Man U and it rarely happens to Chelsea. So why us? I am behind Gallas 100% when he questions the medical team, especially as they misdiagnosed his injury… people sue the NHS when that happens to them so why is it happening at a rich football club?
By: Tim Philip on March 25, 2007
at 10:39 am
Awesome article mate, well said.
By: Lucas on March 25, 2007
at 10:53 am
Tim
With regards to the injuries, Gary Lewin cannot be held responsible for RvP’s foot, Eboue’s ankle or Theo’s shoulder – these are either old or occurred on the field of play.
If I had one concern it would be the number of muscular injuries suffered this season but in someone like Henry’s case, that is surely due to volume of football played since 2004, one summer of rest (2005) and only four weeks in 2006 do not help. He was also rushed back by AW, whether that was against medical advice we will not know.
Edmondy
I don’t read Gallas as blaming purely the youngsters inexperience. To me, the last line indicates that they have to score more goals and they do. Given that the forward line and midfield is mainly filled with youngsters, that is a valid comment. Players such as Hleb, Ljungberg and Baptista do need to contribute more in that respect as well.
By: Yogi's Warrior on March 25, 2007
at 11:24 am
I agree entirely with your article.
Good stuff.
By: G10 on March 25, 2007
at 11:27 am
I expect Gallas to be playing in Italy next season
By: vivb on March 25, 2007
at 12:24 pm
yogi warrior, look at the past three seasons and the amount of injuries we’ve had. something is wrong.
By: grime on March 25, 2007
at 1:37 pm
Whilst it is ridiculous to point the finger at the medical staff, as Tim does, you have to wonder why there are so many injuries?
It is probably just an unlucky coincidence but there may be reasons.
I believe the training pitches are as near as possible the same as the Emerates.
I have noticed a bit of a “drag” at the Emerates, ie the pitch is like an old style early season one when the grass is a bit to long, so the ball doesn’t run as well as you would want. This means the ball can get trapped under your feet.
Just a theory, but could it be that the current pitch has not only been a hinderance to our style of play but also cause some of the muscular problems our players have had?
Anyone keep a record of injuries- type, where received etc. ?
By: Flint McCullough on March 25, 2007
at 2:58 pm
Wliiiam Gallas is a classy, experienced player, but talking to the press and media in this way demonstrates neither.
By: Frank on March 25, 2007
at 2:59 pm
It’s the singling out of players in his interview that pushes the limit. There’s helb, diaby, the youngsters and the medical staff. It’s not acceptable. Imagine you’re working and your company fails to reach it’s objectives. Then one of the more upper employees start complaining to the media and single you out directly for not being good enough while he hasn’t been contributing as much as you have this year. Imagine the tension it could create in the dressing room. So as a “professional” he somewhat deserves the comments he’s getting now no matter how true they are.
By: Wan on March 25, 2007
at 4:06 pm
there’s a big difference between cesc/fabregas attitude and that of gallas. they accept responsibility as part of the team for the disappointments; they don’t attack individuals, group of players, or the medical staff. GALLAS: ‘SHUT UP!’
he should let his football talk. as the most experienced member of the back four he should lead by example on the pitch; not be part of a defence that is lousy in defending a set piece and then afterwards he says he warned his teamates about PSV. CRAP! who cares? play football. at the rate he’s shooting of his mouth he could get oral ulcers before the season ends. did he win a trophy every season he played in chelsea? i thought so!
By: kele on March 25, 2007
at 5:43 pm
Why don’t we wait and see what effect Gallas’s words have? It may be that he is doing us a massive favour. Or it may be that he is dividing the dressing room.
We just don’t know yet, and a lot depends on whether the older players (Gilberto, Lehman, Gallas, Henry, Ljunjberg, and throw cesc, van persie and Toure in there, too, even Rosicky) unify in the face of the current adversity, and whether players like Hleb are strong enough to cope with criticism and keep their confidence up. I would say that the dressing room at Arsenal is pretty healthy, despite what a shit month we have had. Such a month would show up the “problems” in any team, and all we have is Gallas grumbling about an injury. Not a crisis in my book. Winning would smooth this all over. All Lewin has to do is have it out with him about it and they can agree to disagree, as long as Gallas is not paranoid in the bargain.
Here is something to think about, mostly off the top of my head so potentially very wrong:
I would suggest there is a cultural issue here, too. In Brazil I couldn’t believe how much the players ranted at each other on the pitch, off the pitch, walking home, even the next day. I thought to myself, How can this not be disruptive and damaging? It wasfor some players who lost their focus. But it usually wasn’t, b/c the players there are more used to it (it’s the equivalent of ‘banter’ in the UK; water off a duck’s back). My hypothesis: When many of us Anglos hear Gallas (or his words in the press) we hear harsh criticisms, b/c a lot of us (apart from urban subcultures) come from a culture where you either shut up or really get critical and even nasty toward your chosen targets.
To illustrate: when Ronaldo got to PSV he said he couldn’t believe how critical the Dutch players were of him, that they lashed into him on various occassions in ways he thought entirely disrespectful and out of order. But he had grown up in Brazil hearing strong-minded criticism all the time. So what was different? My hypothesis is that dominant Anglo-Saxon cultures (incl the Dutch) see and deliver criticisms in a certain way, while in Latin/African/Caribbean cultures (or urban UK/US cultures) criticisms are delivered and received somehow differently. so when Gallas speaks his mind (similsr to henry hanging his head when a teamate’s pass is misdirected) it is coming from one culture and being received by many bloggers from a different culture. I can’t be more specific than this. At the risk of over-generalizing, call it Afro-caribbean Latin banter and just relax about it.
Add one other cultural element in here, and this being the distinction between subcultures (families, teams, neighborhoods, generations, certain managers, ethnicities) that value individual prowess a bit more than subsuming the individual to the ethic of the wider social group (read team), and vice versa. [I am NOT saying 'Europeans' are disciplined and team oriented, while everyone else is badly disciplined and therefore deserves to be poor -- this is colonialist racist nonsense in my view. All nations and regions have this tension on-going in their societies.] When these subcultures have to work together, which is inevitable, there will always be tension. This tension can be disruptive or creative, and how a manager handles this tension is central to success or failure.
It is also very revealing: we learn that Mourinho and Ferguson are borderline fascists in these matters, while Wenger is more, shall we say, a freedom loving Anglo-American (although the US is seeing a ‘fascist creep’ as its public institutions increasingly model themselves after already out-dated top down businesses; and Wenger is a control freak about things, too, but his politics are in the right place if you ask me). Wenger is trying to find the right mix between creative and dynamic individualism on the one hand and the team ethic or organization (public good) on the other, which is why he treats his players as adults more often than not, free to make their own mistakes (Eboue) and run their mouth (Gallas), and perhaps why we are crap at set pieces, although maybe this is stretching it a bit. Mourinho and Fergie have greater success than Wenger, but they are bullies and have more money and I wouldn’t send my child to work under either of them, any more than i would dick cheney or salazar or franco (under whom Real madrid won many trophies).
Wenger has more consistent success than any other manager on a similar budget (with the possible exception of Valencia under several managers, and perhaps Koeman), so in my estimation he has the balance more right than wrong, and in the process does a greater service to football and society more widely in reinforcing the human desire to see an individual achieve his or her maximum potential. Which is why, in case you haven’t clocked it, he is always talking about values in relation to chelsea, et al.
By: Nicky on March 25, 2007
at 5:51 pm
Wow Nicky that was impressive. I’m looking forward to the book.
By: Frank on March 25, 2007
at 6:32 pm
That WAS stupidly long. Sorry. I’ll have to edit it down for the book. But culture is just so complicated, innit?
By: Nicky on March 25, 2007
at 11:15 pm
[...] In Defence Of William Gallas William Gallas is being told to ‘Shut It‘ by all and sundry for his forthright comments. Since arriving […] [...]
By: Top Posts « WordPress.com on March 25, 2007
at 11:59 pm
My problem is not so much with the content of what he says – in general i think it’s true and encapsulates a lot of what has been said by the fans – but the manner in which he says it.
He specifically blames a subset of the team – the youngsters – and in doing so looks to distance himself from blame.
If this was a one-off comment i would be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt but he said it again after the PSV match and was a lot more pointed then; practically naming Hleb as the reason they went out and stating that he had “warned” the players but they didn’t listen to him.
It’s the apportion of blame that i have the problem with. Kolo and Cesc have both, as you pointed out, spoken to the press about our failings this season but the marked difference is that they framed their observations by using the royal ‘we’; they made it a team failure not an individual one; and more than that they both admitted their own part in that failure. Gallas does neither. Furthermore, both are in a much better position to judge/comment on Arsenal than a player who arrived only this season and has played a limited role in the season.
Gallas does himself no favours talking like this in public. The cynic in me suspects his sudden media outpouring has more to do with a wish to advertise to potential suitors that he is ready and willing to move on in the summer – and nothing to do with an ill-advised attempt to rally the troops.
By: Sarah on March 26, 2007
at 6:33 am
I am inclined to agree with Sarah’s last point. He manufactured his own departure from Chelsea in a similar way. However allowing for Nicky’s in-depth analysis I guess we should give him the benefit of the doubt. Best make sure that Gilberto, Phil and Jo are still tied in.
By: Frank on March 26, 2007
at 7:01 am
Thanks for that piece Nicky very enlightening.
I would not read too much into Bill wanting away. It appears he engages his mouth before his brain sometimes & has a habit of looking to blame others,when perhaps he should be accepting that he has not contributed enough himself.
It has been a disappointing & disjointed season for him. Like TH14 he had little rest after the WC, had no proper close season & got crocked because of that.
He is moaning about lack of experience but that was what HE was bought to provide. If he wanted to leave for a better chance of honours he would be wrong. Where could he go?
Chelsea or Man U?
Italy? Surely still in turmoil
Spain? Perhaps but Real are Real, & Barca are perhaps on the downward turn.
Has anyone got a better future than AFC at this time?
I think we should accept he is what he is but he is a bloody good player, who if fit, can raise us another notch.
Take it all with a pinch of salt?
By: Flint McCullough on March 26, 2007
at 9:01 am
Let’s accept what Gallas said as a direct reaction of frustration to our season from a man who has won things before. Let’s also hope that Gallas himself accepts the situation as it is, since he was fully aware of our “transition” status before he joined us. He has yet to display the bonding we find in a family unit, cos he knows that in a real family, he cannot chose his siblings, but here, he can chose to go. So he dares to say anything. Despite his outburst, I still rate Gallas as a very good player. Now it is the job of AW to meld him into the family.
If Gallas cannot see the future of the team, then I think it is because he did not grow up long enough with the team, and he needs to be educated by AW about it. I think he is smart enough to know that Chelski will very soon be in decline, regardless of the amount of roubles poured in every year. So is Barca and Man Utd. Next season will be between MU and us. Everybody knows that, and hopefully, with some luck on the injury front and on the pitch, we will win a few things next season. I am as hopeful as ever, even though it hurts like hell in losing the European Cup and Carling Cup finals.
By: KLV on March 26, 2007
at 9:33 am
[...] Original post by Yogi’s Warrior [...]
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at 12:58 pm