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Post by Salem6 on Nov 24, 2008 13:55:50 GMT
 Cesc Fabregas has been named as the new Arsenal captain but Arsene Wenger has confirmed that William Gallas will return to the starting line-up for the Champions League tie at home to Dynamo Kiev tomorrow. The Arsenal manager has handed the captaincy to the Spanish midfielder after Gallas was stripped of the role on Friday and left out of the squad that lost away to Manchester City on Saturday. Wenger refused to discuss the reasons behind the Gallas's absence, although he confirmed the French defender would be return to the starting line-up, but not as captain. "William will play against Kiev, but the captain of the team will be Fabregas," Wenger said. "I do not think I have to especially explain why I make the decisions, but it is a permanent thing." Wenger felt it had been an "interesting" few days for Arsenal. "When you do not win, nobody jumps off the roof, but the frustration does kick in," he said. "It is a good opportunity now for us to show we have strength and ability - you know how it works, you go from fantastic to a catastrophe, but real life is somewhere in between." "So even if we are at the moment frustrated, it is not all doom and gloom. We have a strong belief in our ability and we have a good opportunity to show we care about the club and that we can qualify tomorrow." www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article5223080.ece |
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Post by Salem6 on Nov 25, 2008 10:05:33 GMT
By SHAUN CUSTIS Published: Today CESC FABREGAS insists his appointment as Arsenal captain proves once and for all that he has no intention of quitting The Emirates. Midfield maestro Fab, 21, was handed the skipper’s job permanently after William Gallas was stripped of the armband for his public outburst against his team-mates last week. Fabregas said: “By becoming captain it shows how much I’m committed to the club. “I actually feel I’ve shown commitment since I arrived here.” Fab has constantly been linked with a move to Catalan giants Barcelona. But the Spain ace reckons he will be a Gunner for years to come. He added: “Each year people talk about me leaving yet I’m still here and I want to be part of the future of Arsenal. “I love the club and I’m totally committed to it. I’m not looking to play anywhere else. “Of course, the future for Arsenal is bright. The players are very much looking forward to the next few years.” Manager Arsene Wenger said: “I have never doubted Cesc’s commitment and that was one of the reasons for making him captain. “It’s important you are the voice of the club to the outside and your commitment is not questioned. “Cesc has the leadership qualities, the experience and the confidence of the other players.” Wenger has put deposed skipper Gallas back in the team for tonight’s home Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev. Gallas was left out of the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday as a disciplinary measure. But Wenger said: “William is a player I rate and a man I rate as well. I have a big respect for him. “But he was under big pressure and you do not want this high pressure to affect him or the team.” www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1966552.ece |
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