【Wenger - Gilberto in frame for captaincy】
By Richard Clarke
Arsene Wenger will not be taking the captain's armband away from Gilberto.
The Brazilian led Arsenal through the majority of last season when Thierry Henry was injured. The Frenchman's departure has created a permanent vacancy and the Brazilian is likely to fill the role with Toure and Gallas deputising when needed. Wenger believes it is the best way of using all the experience in his youthful squad.
"The captain last year was Gilberto and there is no reason to take it away from him," said Wenger at Friday's press conference ahead of the Emirates Cup. "At the moment in some games it is Gallas and some games it is Kolo because I feel that the centre back position is the best one from which to captain the team. Those three will be leaders of the team for the season and whoever plays will captain the team. We are a very young side and the experienced players have a big part to play. That is why I try to multiply the influence of the big players."
Wenger is also considering using Jen Lehmann's vast experience. The German keeper is the oldest player in the squad and, the manager feels, he can have an important role off the pitch.
"Jens could be an interesting choice for Club Captain because he has a weight inside the squad and is a massive winner," said the manager. "The keeper is a bit far from organising the team and you have to shout too much. Centre back is the natural position for a captain."
[ Friday, July 27, 2007]
By Richard Clarke
Arsene Wenger will not be taking the captain's armband away from Gilberto.
The Brazilian led Arsenal through the majority of last season when Thierry Henry was injured. The Frenchman's departure has created a permanent vacancy and the Brazilian is likely to fill the role with Toure and Gallas deputising when needed. Wenger believes it is the best way of using all the experience in his youthful squad.
"The captain last year was Gilberto and there is no reason to take it away from him," said Wenger at Friday's press conference ahead of the Emirates Cup. "At the moment in some games it is Gallas and some games it is Kolo because I feel that the centre back position is the best one from which to captain the team. Those three will be leaders of the team for the season and whoever plays will captain the team. We are a very young side and the experienced players have a big part to play. That is why I try to multiply the influence of the big players."
Wenger is also considering using Jen Lehmann's vast experience. The German keeper is the oldest player in the squad and, the manager feels, he can have an important role off the pitch.
"Jens could be an interesting choice for Club Captain because he has a weight inside the squad and is a massive winner," said the manager. "The keeper is a bit far from organising the team and you have to shout too much. Centre back is the natural position for a captain."
[ Friday, July 27, 2007]
