by Nia Griffiths

Along with Ray Parlour, Sol Campbell attended the new Arsenal home and away PUMA kit launch in India recently and took part in a rather in-depth question and answer session.

The former defender, who played over 200 matches for Arsenal during his time with us, spoke about the criticism Arsene Wenger has faced over the years. Most of this criticism arose during the nine trophy-less years we had to suffer as a result of building the Emirates and becoming self-sufficient.

Speaking of people’s criticism of Wenger, Campbell said, “I think the fans were just getting frustrated but they should have really given Arsene the benefit of doubt and seen what he could do over the next season.”

He continued, “The last season, there were a couple of altercations that were way over the top. There was this one incident on the train and the fans were almost gunning for him. For a man who has done so much and revolutionised Arsenal.”

Going back to last season, he said, “If you see the last season, in the end, it was a fantastic season. We didn’t win the Premiership, but the back end of the season was incredible. We were winning all the time, the consistency and topping it off with the FA Cup win.

“They should have given him that kind of space and respect and look at what’s happened – qualified for the Champions League for the 18th consecutive time and the FA Cup (win). Overall it was a great season. Yes we got to do better in the league but at least it’s a great start for us compared to five years ago when there was nothing… just barren and always not winning anything.”

He reiterated, “They should have really given a little bit of time to Arsene and judged him at the end of the season and not at the start or midway through the season.”

The former centre-back went on to speak about leadership within the team, which he doesn’t seem to see a huge problem with.

“I think Arsenal’s got a great squad,” Sol said. “The beginning of the season hurt them a little bit with a few injuries. They need to start firing from game one and not say game 10-12 onwards for it is almost too late by then now. You really got to start off well. Back in the day people would say, come Christmas time and we will start rolling. Now you got to start rolling in and around August; definitely by September you got to start rolling and getting points and getting into the groove. I think last season that’s what hurt them.”

He went on, “I think Mourinho is right [that Arsenal played the best football but weren’t consistent]. Arsenal were one of the best in terms of football out there around the world but now it is all about getting the balance right. Because in football in steely kind of games and being hard to beat (opposition).

“When you are playing away from home on a Wednesday, in rain away from home and if you can come away with a win – that is the true kind of football. You got to have it when the sun is shining and it’s at home and you are playing lovely football and even away – that’s when you really show your character.”

Big Sol had the privilege of playing with some of the best midfielders in the world and he went on to elaborate on that crucial balance within the team.

“I feel they need to change the dynamics in the midfield,” the former centre-back said. “Have someone slightly different who can play that kind of deep role in midfield. Kind of play kick-up. Someone like a Patrick (Viera) or Gilberto or (Emanuel) Petit. They need someone different – physically different as well. Just something different.

“Ray Parlour was one of them. They have a lot of ball players, they need someone who understands the game and yes can play football but his attribute should be. He can cut the game up, block the game and allow the back four to have a breather. They definitely need someone like that for sure.”

Sol knows all about leadership. He became England’s second-youngest captain and was even Captain of Spurs during his nine years with our North London rivals. Big Sol was a demanding presence, both on and off the pitch and commanded respect at all times.

Although I can’t really see a similar character to him in our current squad, I can definitely see leaders.