Almunia - Losing armband has improved Gallas

By Richard Clarke
 
Manuel Almunia feels that the form of William Gallas has actually improved since he lost the Arsenal captaincy.
 
The Frenchman was relieved of his duties amid much publicity in late November and Cesc Fabregas was handed the armband. Gallas may have been quiet off the pitch since then but, on it, his performances have spoken volumes. For Almunia, the crucial late winner by Gallas against Portsmouth on Sunday was the mark of a man much happier with himself.
 
“I see William on the pitch now and, for me, he is playing better,” said the Spaniard. “I spoke to him last week and he told me that is he playing better because he is not losing so much energy worrying about all the other players and their circumstances on and off the pitch.
 
“Now he is really enjoying playing without so much pressure. I think William took too much responsibility, it has to be shared among the group of players.

“William is a very good professional when he was captain, he fought for the team in every aspect. He is a real winner with a strong character and he has shown that. We are on William’s side and everyone supports him. Personally I have a very good relationship with him and I am very happy with him scoring because he is playing very well and he deserves it.
 
“He showed that he is an unbelievable professional. He is a player with the most trophies in the team and everyone respects that. He knows the way to bring success and even though he is not the captain we are all following him."
 
It has been suggested in the media that, after losing the captaincy, Gallas may look to leave Emirates Stadium in the January window. Almunia could give no insight either way but he firmly wants him to stay.
 
“I don’t know [about it],” said the 31-year-old. “He is a special guy and he doesn’t speak too much. It is difficult to ask him these kind of questions and that is why I don’t know anything.
 
“I can only tell you about me - I am very pleased with William on the pitch and in the dressing room.
 
“I play with so much confidence when William is in front of me. It is the same with any player but especially with William because he has won titles and has won World Cups. I have so much respect for him."

[Monday, December 29, 2008]

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