Gallas takes coaching shuffle in his stride
Perth Glory marquee man William Gallas says the sacking of Alistair Edwards as coach last month has not had a negative effect on his outlook.
Upon arrival in Perth last November, Gallas said Edwards played a key role in his decision to move to the A-League, citing a conversation the pair had during contract negotiations before he agreed to a lucrative season-long deal believed to be worth about $700,000.
Gallas made just two half-hour appearances under Edwards before he was cut down by a torn right calf muscle, which kept him sidelined for seven weeks.
The former Premier League star returned two weeks ago for his first appearance under interim coach Kenny Lowe and played nearly 80 minutes in the defeat to Western Sydney last Sunday.
Gallas said the change in coaching staff had not affected his commitment to the club.
"It's not the first time I have had a manager who was sacked, so for me it was not a big difference," Gallas said.
"Kenny came here with the mentality to win and Alistair had that mentality as well, so for me it didn't change anything about my mentality.
"A lot of things change, so sometimes it's not easy, but as players we have to be ready and listen to the new manager and do what he asks us to do."
Glory are seventh but can move into the top half with a win over Melbourne Victory at nib Stadium on Friday night.
Gallas is aiming to play a full 90 minutes for the first time since joining Glory and believes the inconsistent squad has what it takes to challenge for the championship this season.
"If you win four or five games you can be on top," Gallas said.
"I came here to win trophies and get something at the end of the season."
Serbian recruit Nebojsa Marinkovic made his Glory debut off the bench last week and is in line for a call-up to the starting team.
Midfield addition Rostyn Griffiths is available after receiving his international clearance, while Lithuanian international Darvydas Sernas is expected to be cleared in time for the game.
