The Frenchman's leadership came under close scrutiny as Arsenal's trophy challenge fell away after Christmas, with ugly episodes such as Gallas lashing out at an advertising hoarding when James McFadden scored a last-gasp equaliser for Birmingham City at St Andrews in February.

He said: "I learned a lot. You want to be the best captain, give good advice to your players, but sometimes you can make mistakes as well, so I think this season I know what I'm going to do and I know I am ready to change my way to speak to the players."