Wenger support for skipper

Gallas also not in trouble for Walcott comments

Last updated: 27th March 2008

Wenger support for skipper

Gallas: Has Wenger's full support

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Arsene Wenger insists he sees no reason to question the leadership of Arsenal captain William Gallas.

The French defender was considered a surprise choice to succeed Thierry Henry as Arsenal skipper following his compatriot's move to Barcelona last summer.

And Arsenal's recent slump in form has led to suggestions that his team-mates are starting to turn against the former Chelsea stopper.

Gilberto Silva has offered his backing to Gallas and Wenger has also come out in support of his captain following Sunday's defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Don't go overboard

"I believe he had not the best of performances on Sunday, and he would be the first to agree with that, but I don't question his leadership nor his position in the team," said Wenger.

"You have the same William Gallas - and the same people said it was a good choice to make him captain when we were five points ahead, and you have not to go too much overboard.

"William has my full support and my full backing and I am completely behind him, and behind the team as well.

"We are going through a bad patch, I agree with you, but we want to come back and win the games again that we can win."

Wenger also stressed he has no quarrel with Gallas regarding the skipper's comments in a magazine article concerning the development of Theo Walcott.

Unbelievable

The Arsenal manager added: "He said Walcott could be the next Wayne Rooney, but he has to work. What is wrong with that? You want at 18 years of age to not work? It's unbelievable.

"I read it really carefully, it didn't say anything wrong on that. After the way it has been turned, yes.

"If you want to win the World Cup you have to accept that your players are highly exposed, you have to accept that you have to work.

"Is it an insult to say somebody has to work? I don't know, I don't think so."