French defender and 2006 World Cup runner-up William Gallas visited Moscow in early February to participate in the Konstantin Yeryomenko Legends Cup. The International team, featuring Gallas, reached the final but was defeated by Spartak with a score of 5-7.
As an active player, Gallas had numerous encounters with Russian footballers in Europe. He played alongside Alexey Smertin at Chelsea, witnessed Andrey Arshavin's four goals at Anfield, and shared the pitch with Roman Pavlyuchenko at Tottenham. In an interview with Telecomasia.net, Gallas reminisced about his former colleagues, with Arshavin taking the spotlight.
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From our interview with William Gallas, you will learn:
- how the former Chelsea and Arsenal defender assists young players;
- the reasons behind Arshavin's inability to achieve significant success in the Premier League;
- what traits of Arshavin disappointed his Arsenal teammates.
"It's great to see a diverse range of nationalities united by football"
- Do you know anything about the current state of football in Russia?
- To be honest, I have limited knowledge of Russian football. This is my second time participating in the Legends Cup; the last time was in 2020, where we emerged victorious. For me, the highlight is reconnecting with my former teammates. For example, Pavlyuchenko. It's the best part. Football is the most popular sport in the world. Bringing footballers from different countries together in one place is truly heartwarming.
- What do you do post-retirement?
Currently, I work with young players, particularly defenders. I aim to pass on my knowledge. It's like coaching, but not quite. I am mostly consulting. I analyze the videos of the players a lot. After matches, we review their performances, discuss their errors, praise their strong sides - I strive to enhance their skills, essentially. This is gratifying. Just as people in my football circle once guided me when I was young, I aspire to do the same.
- Do you ever miss the times when you were an active player?
- Not at all. I watch football every week. I follow the Premier League and the teams I played for. I'm more of a fan now.
- How often do you play football?
- Almost every day!
Bet on football with 1xBet"Andrey Arshavin was a thinker on the field, with a strong footballing instinct. Playing against him was very challenging"
- During your professional career in Europe, you encountered many Russian players. Could you share some personal experiences?
- Alexey Smertin! We played together at Chelsea. In 2019, when I attended the Legends Cup, I faced him in the tournament. It was a pleasure to meet him again. Later, we met in 2020. We reminisced about the past and had a nice chat.
- Besides Smertin, you also played with Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko. Who was the most talented of them?
- Arshavin was the most talented! When he played for Zenit, he was incredible. Then he moved to Arsenal. Everyone understood his talent, but unfortunately, he didn't get the career he could have had. His ball control was astonishing, and he had a footballing instinct. Playing against him was very challenging.
- So, many believe that Arshavin didn't fully realize his potential - is that true?
- Players like Arshavin are rare, and they are capable of achieving great success in their professional careers. He had a remarkable career in Russia. I remember when he first arrived at Arsenal, he did incredible things. I will never forget his four goals against Liverpool! Just think about it! Four goals at Anfield against Liverpool - it's unbelievable! Only special players can do that. But any player from that Arsenal squad will tell you that he could have achieved more. Maybe he just relaxed at some point, and stopped demanding more from himself.
- Do you keep in touch with any of your former Russian teammates?
- I haven't seen Arshavin for a very long time, since I left Arsenal, I think. But I keep in touch with Smertin.
Bet on football with 1xBet"I don't think Arshavin will become a coach. It seems he enjoys what he's doing now"
- Arshavin is now better known as a football pundit on television. Would you be interested in watching him work as a coach?
- It all depends on whether he wants to be a coach. Perhaps he enjoys being a TV pundit. Being a coach is not easy. It's much harder than being a player. A player is only responsible for himself. A coach has more responsibility and needs to put in more effort. Sometimes it's difficult to pinpoint the problem with a specific player. I, for one, would like to become a coach in the future. I currently work with defenders, and I enjoy it, but I don't think Arshavin will become a coach. It seems he enjoys what he's doing now.
- Do you have any stories about him?
- LikeI said, Arshavin had potential, but he didn’t work very hard, he wouldn’t give it his all in training. He took things more lightly. For him, it was more important to be in shape during the game itself. Some of his teammates didn't understand this and even got upset that he wouldn’t try his hardest.
- Adebayor said that Arshavin watched adult content in the dressing room. Is that true?
- What? Ha-ha. It’s my first time hearing this!
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