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Adebayor backs Gallas outburst
8 Jan 2009
Emmanuel Adebayor believes William Gallas was right to publicly question his Arsenal team-mates' stomach for a fight.
Gallas was stripped of the club captaincy in November after criticising his team-mates for lacking bravery, while he also revealed the rifts in Arsenal's dressing room that have threatened to derail the Gunners' season.
The France centre-back was temporarily dropped from the first team by manager Arsene Wenger but was soon restored to the line-up, and scored the winner in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Portsmouth in their last Premier League outing.
Adebayor, who labels Gallas as his 'big brother', feels the defender's outburst may have been just the thing Arsenal needed as they attempt to stay in the hunt for the league title.
"There is some truth in what he said," said the Togo striker.
"Someone had to say these things, to make each person face up to their responsibilities. If he had said nothing, where would we be today?
"Gallas has always been like that - he has experience, he has won titles, played in a World Cup final.
"He doesn't throw these thoughts around lightly. He said something because it was necessary to do it.
"He is indispensable to the team. He is Arsenal's rock - his behaviour since the armband was taken off him proves that."
Arsenal head into this weekend fifth in the Premier League standings, 10 points adrift of leaders Liverpool with half the campaign remaining.
With midfield lynchpin Cesc Fabregas out of action for up to four months because of injury, many have questioned Arsenal's ability to challenge for the title.
But Adebayor is not giving up hope, although he admits the team's mentality has to change between now and the end of the season.
"It's a question of confidence," he added in Aujourd'hui Sport.
"At the moment, when we take the lead, we are scared. We tremble until the final whistle because the team is young and we have conceded several goals in the last few minutes of matches.
"We are lacking a bit of luck. We haven't been on top form since the start of the season. Perhaps we will perform better towards the end (of the season)."
Reader views (5)
Adebayor should not back Gallas but give an example and give more during the match. Adebayor is lazy,slow and shows very little inthusiasm. If he looses ball possesion he does not go after the player to try and get it back.
These players should be paid according to their play output during the game.
The rsults will surely improve 100 percent.
Regards Alex
- A.Messina, Malta, 08/01/2009 19:38
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I believe that Arsene Wenger will be hailed the best of the best. He has made hard decisions, such as making then un-making William Gallas Captain. The young men who wear the coveted Arsenal shirt should be given all the encouragement they deserve. Critisism can be inspiring.
- Malcolm Bainborough, Lichfield, Staffs. England, 08/01/2009 19:18
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Gallas's first motive was in the publicity for his book which as club Captain is surely wrong. I feel however the light it shone on the application and effort of the younger players was correct. They should realise they play for a tremendous Football Club especially the recent unbeaten team of Henry, Pires, Bergkamp etc. Their achievement earned them countless plaudits. This young Arsenal team as yet haven't won a thing. Attitude is not enough. Respect has to be earned.
- Tom, Romford, Essex, 08/01/2009 19:15
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Some of the young bucks are finding out for themselves not to believe the hype. Gallas simply needed them to understand that throwing it away last season was bad but doing it without a fight this season is criminal.His maturity and class is speaking for itself.He does not need the armband to be a leader.
- Anthony, North London. UK, 08/01/2009 15:42
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I agree with Ade. Gallas did say some home truths that needed to come out. However may be the mistake he made was go public with it. It should have been dealt with internally and maybe licked to the media slowly. The young boys do need telling off as I think that they are taking the Arsenal Badge/shirt for granted. I hope the boys do pick themselve up and produce this side of the second half season.
- Sid, Buckinghamshire, 08/01/2009 14:02
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