Taylor slams Gallas attacks

Frenchman's captaincy under threat

By Carla Hilton   Last updated: 21st November 2008

William Gallas France

Gallas: Criticised

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Former England boss Graham Taylor believes Arsene Wenger should relieve William Gallas of the captain's arm-band after his verbal attacks on his Arsenal team-mates.

Gallas publicly slammed members of the first-team squad after the Gunners conceded their fourth Premier League defeat to Aston Villa to see them slip nine-points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.

The recent attack creates further speculation over the defender's conduct after being heavily criticised for his previous outburst in February following Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Birmingham.

Taylor says Gallas' actions are not those of a good captain and a team-player and believes the time has come for Wenger to swing the axe.

Changes

"Would we not think that by now Arsene Wenger, the manager that he is, would know the kind of person he wants as captain, and if it isn't working for him, make those changes," Taylor said.

"He knows his players better than any of us, he knows what he's looking for as a leader, as a captain.

"If he feels that Gallas isn't doing that then I think he's wrong if he continues with him.

"I would have thought by now a manager of Arsene Wenger's calibre knows what makes a good captain, and I'm somewhat surprised that he still has stuck with Gallas even after that Birmingham situation."