Saturday Apr 19 2008 12:24
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that he could strip William Gallas of the captain's armband at the end of the season.
The France defender has come under fire for a lack of leadership during the Gunners' Champions League exit and failure to remain in the Premier League title race.
Gallas was accused of undermining his side's title challenge after sitting in the centre circle and refusing to leave the pitch after Arsenal conceded a last minute penalty to draw 2-2 with Birmingham City back in February.
When asked about the possibility of retaining Gallas as captain, Wenger replied: "I cannot answer that question at the moment. I want to analyse the season after the season.
"I believe he has learned a lot this year and I can only say that his commitment and desire to do well was exceptional.
"I made that decision and I have to stand up for that decision, I have to protect the team and the individuals as well at the moment.
"They get criticised and maybe we deserve critics at the moment, but overall the team has made good progress this year."
Meanwhile, Wenger has warned Mathieu Flamini that he must make up his mind over whether to sign a new contract by the end of the month.
The France midfielder is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium at the end of the current season.
"We are getting close to yes or no," he added. "He says he wants to stay and I believe him.
"But as long as he has not signed, for me he is free to sign where he wants.
"We have set ourselves a target until the end of the month of April to finalise the situation, one way or the other.
"That's an absolute deadline because afterwards we have to make decisions because if you have to move on the market you don't have much time left."
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