By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger has confirmed that William Gallas will
captain Arsenal during the coming season.
The centre back, who joined from Chelsea less than a year ago, will
be supported by vice-captains Gilberto and Kolo Toure on the pitch
while Jens Lehmann will have a role off it.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online on Thursday lunchtime the Arsenal
manager outlined the reason for the change. Wenger is in charge of
a very young squad this term so he needs to use every scrap of
experience.
"[The captain] will be William Gallas," he said.
"There will also be two vice-captains, Kolo Toure and
Gilberto.
"I feel centre back is always the best position to lead on the
pitch and it is Gallas who has more experience at the back. But
Gilberto has always been a great captain and Kolo Toure has a
stature too.
"Aswell I made a decision that I want all those experienced
players, along with Jens Lehmann, to be involved off the pitch.
Players like Jens and Gilberto can play the role of a club captain.
They can have a very strong impact mentally on the team. I want
them to take on that responsibility."
