Updated Monday 8.15pm: William Gallas saga - what they're all saying
William Gallas caused a storm in the football world - here's more of what those involved in the game have been saying about his sacking as Arsenal skipper and Cesc Fabregas' appointment.
Ray Parlour
"There weren't many candidates. Looking through the team he was probably the only man for the job.
"I think it's gone to the right man. The players respect him."
"He's an excellent player - no one doubts that - but he's got to be more vocal on the pitch."
Emmanuel Petit
Gallas is being singled out, but there is a lack of form in a lot of players.
"Gallas does not have unanimous support in the dressing room as captain. It's certainly a generational problem.
"Gallas' move did not stem from bad intentions but it has been perceived as such."
Gael Clichy
"I respect William. I think everyone would agree with me that he is a great player and he made some good games for us.
"What happened has happened. Maybe some people will say he should not have said those things, but I am happy for him that he is playing again and I am sure we can do great things together.
"Last year was not great because we did not win anything, but for seven months we were on top and William did not get any critics then."
Cesc Fabregas
"It is a great honour for me to captain one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"It is a proud moment. I know it's a big responsibility but together with my team-mates, I know we have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning ways and fulfil our potential."
Arsene Wenger
"A successful team has a shared leadership inside the dressing room and he will be one of the leaders but not the only one.
"It is very important that we share that leadership inside the dressing room."
Gerard Houllier
"All I know is that Arsene took the right decision and very quickly, because you need to protect what goes on inside the camp.
"So if one sort of betrays the secret of the camp, particularly not having nice words about his team-mates, then it's a good decision and I think the manager took the right stand."
David O'Leary
"I think the Arsenal fans and the people at the club would have want him (Fabregas) to have had it sooner.
"I think Arsene Wenger did the right thing at the right time (giving the job to Gallas) but what's happened with him (Gallas) - it's right he's done it."
Ian Wright
"William Gallas is a very passionate man and I admire the fact that he clearly cares about his team.
"On this occasion, though, he has got it wrong.
"Arsenal's supporters are now wondering 'what the hell is going on at our club'.
"I thought him pointing the finger at a player 'six years younger' than himself was childish. He should have come out and named him or not mentioned him at all."
Roy Keane
"You take these comments and remarks with a pinch of salt. A good, strong dressing room can deal with certain characters anyway, as long as people don't get too upset with it.
"I would say people need to lighten up."
Harry Redknapp
"What happens in the dressing room should be kept in-house. Too often now players are too quick to run to the press. Get on with the job and play football, if there is a problem then sort it out.
"There are always arguments in dressing rooms. The great teams have people sorting problems out, making the job easy for the manager."
Nigel Winterburn
"It certainly doesn't need the captain to come out and tell the world players have fallen out - that can be good, it shows they care and are not prepared to accept defeat.
"He actually said one team-mate is being disruptive, which puts the suspicion of blame on four or five players. He hasn't come out and named the player.
"Gallas is the link within the club. He should have sorted it out with his players or gone to the manager and said 'we have a problem with this player'."
Graham Taylor
"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."
Perry Groves
"Gallas has been an absolute disgrace. I said a year ago that he should not have been made Arsenal captain.
"He should have been stripped of the captaincy ever since his behaviour at Birmingham.
"He has brought into disrepute all the great Arsenal captains of the past."
Kenny Sansom
"If there is a major issue, then I think football fans should hear about it, but little individual things, it's about the football club itself.
"If you are the captain then you have responsibility. William Gallas is a professional football player, and an international football player as well, and he has got a job to do.
"I think Arsene Wenger will react very quickly, and you might see a change at the weekend, and possibly, someone else being captain of the football club."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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