Gilberto talks about Arsenals season
March 27, 2005
GILBERTO SILVA has scoffed at the growing smear campaign that dismisses Patrick Vieira as yesterday’s man.
In fact, the Brazilian insists Vieira is the midfield rock upon which Arsenal can build another great team.
Gilberto said: “I think Patrick has been unfairly criticised this season because he’s had to boss a team with many young players. Many people forget that my injury and Edu’s left him alone with the task of driving the midfield and also looking after the youngsters.
“Much was said about Real Madrid being keen on taking him to Spain, but the important thing is that he stayed. Patrick is a warrior and an extremely important player for Arsenal – and he doesn’t need to prove it to anybody.
“Just take a look at his CV. If I were an Arsenal director, I’d do everything to keep him, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry, who can certainly play at the highest level for many more years.”
The demands placed on Vieira in guiding a talented but inexperienced group of midfielders highlights one of the biggest problems Arsenal face in attempting to catch up with champions-elect Chelsea.
Gilberto said: “This season has been pretty disappointing and the players feel they have let the supporters and themselves down. Going out of Europe was painful, especially for me, who could only watch it from the sidelines.
“What we do have to remember, however, is that Arsenal dealt with many injuries this season, including mine and Sol Campbell’s, foe example. This is one of the reasons we are not fighting for the title with Chelsea.
“Chelsea also have more experienced players, especially on the bench. Our group is full of young players who will need more time to reach their true potential.
“It is not fair to expect maturity right now from players like Fabregas, Flamini and Van Persie, although I’m sure they will be idols at Arsenal in the future.
“We lost players like Kanu, Keown, Parlour and Wiltord, who could step in in times of trouble. It’s not for me to speculate about decisions that are up to the manager and the board, but I won’t be surprised if the club brings in two or three experienced players this summer.
“This season showed us that maybe another midfielder should be bought and perhaps a striker with more presence in the box, so that Thierry wouldn’t be overloaded. Sol’s injury was also a big blow.”
Gilberto is convinced that Arsene Wenger has identified this season’s problems and planned a successful route forward.
“I do believe Arsene knows what to do,” said Gilberto. “If everything the press is saying about the transfers funds for the summer is right, I’m sure the boss won’t need any help. Critics have been too harsh on Arsene and I expect to see him having the last laugh.”
Gilberto has spent six months out with a serious back injury but is keen to make an impact in the one competition the Gunners can still win. He added: “We still have the FA Cup to fight for and we need to win it. A club like ours must lift at least one trophy a season.
“My contract expires in the 2006-07 season but I want to stay at Arsenal. I am happy in England and I would not feel comfortable leaving the club before helping them to win the Champions League.”