Former Arsenal captain William Gallas has hit back at claims made by his old boss Arsene Wenger that finishing fourth is more important than winning a trophy.
Gallas, who has won the Premier League twice with Chelsea, believes that having the satisfaction of lifting a trophy far outweighs qualifying for the Champions League, despite it being a money-spinner.
Arsenal manager Wenger claimed last week that finishing in the top four, this securing qualification to Europe’s premier club competition, is more prestigious that winning the FA Cup or the League Cup.
Gallas, now with Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham, believes Wenger’s comments are misguided and is adamant every footballer dreams of standing on a podium receiving winners medals at the end of the season.
“To finish second or fourth is not the same as finishing top, as champions. It is completely different. You are so happy to lift a trophy – it is the real thing to do,” said Gallas.
“For me, a trophy is something you lift at the end of the season and I know it’s a fantastic feeling. It doesn’t happen many times through your career, so for me to finish second or fourth isn’t the same as finishing top, as champions. It’s completely different.
“You feel different because you are the best team – the best player. You are so happy to lift a trophy – it’s the real thing to do.”
Gallas has set his sights on helping Tottenham land their first piece of silverware since their 2008 League Cup success. “It is a long time since Tottenham have lifted a trophy and I don’t know which one we are going to lift,” said the Frenchman.
“But for sure we want to lift one – any one will be pretty good so we will wait and see.”
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