More infighting at Glory but Sage unfazed
Perth Glory owner Tony Sage has moved to reassure fans the squad remains united despite more infighting among players and coaching staff at the embattled club last week.
William Gallas and assistant coach Andy Ord were involved in a heated exchange after Saturday night's 2-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers, during which the marquee defender's inept attempt at a clearance resulted in the visitors scoring their second goal.
The Gallas-Ord dispute foll- owed a bust-up between captain Jacob Burns and on-loan Reading attacker Ryan Edwards at the club's training ground last week.
There was also well-publicised unrest among senior players which played a role in Alistair Edwards being sacked as coach in December.
Despite the recent friction, Sage was confident there was no lingering disharmony.
"It can happen in the heat of the moment and you expect these things," Sage said.
"You'd be more concerned if they weren't passionate and they didn't give a s..t about the club.
"The best thing that happened for me witnessing some of it at the end was Gallas fuming.
"If he didn't care about Perth Glory and this was a bloody holiday trip for him, he wouldn't have cared. He wouldn't have done anything or said anything.
"But it shows it means a lot to him and his professional pride, and the fact that he really loves Perth, that he actually did step up and say a few things."
Gallas has been the subject of much scrutiny since signing a season-long deal worth $600,000 in November.
He made his Glory debut as a substitute in round six but managed just two brief appearances before he was sidelined for seven weeks with a torn calf.
The former English Premier League star has played another six games since his return to action last month.
He was one of many players who appeared disinterested in the first half against Western Sydney, after which coach Kenny Lowe questioned his players' desire.
Sage said Glory would end up paying about $365,000 of Gallas' contract after a contribution from Football Federation Australia and money recovered through insurance against injury.
Sage conceded Gallas had not provided an adequate return for investment on the pitch.
But he said the international exposure created by the former France defender's signing had given the club value for money.
"We're getting a lot of recognition," Sage said.
"Every club in Europe now knows Perth Glory.
"It's just like what Alessandro Del Piero has done for Sydney and that's what you buy."
Sage was confident ninth-placed Glory could still challenge for the finals.
