Gallas also questioned his team-mates' fighting spirit and was subsequently dropped for last week's defeat at Manchester City and stripped of the captaincy.

Czech Republic keeper Cech played with Gallas for two years at Stamford Bridge before the defender moved to the Gunners in August 2006 as part of the deal that saw Ashley Cole go in the opposite direction.

He has no doubt Gallas was only speaking his mind when he made his feelings public.

Cech told The Sun: "I know William and if he says it then it is true.

"I've played with him and know him well.

"William is a great guy and he is passionate about football but I don't agree players should talk publicly about what is discussed in the dressing room.

"William must have felt very frustrated to want to talk publicly about it.

"As a person he says what he feels.

"And that's why people look at him differently because when he speaks, it comes from the heart."

The 26-year-old also believes Arsenal are undermined by their lack of fight, saying: "Arsenal play beautiful football at times but when you don't manage to move your opponents with your football, you need to fight and be physical.

"And this is what Arsenal are missing."

Chelsea are currently top of the Barclays Premier League, 10 points ahead of the Gunners, and Cech believes the north London side have to win when the teams meet tomorrow if they are to remain in the title race.

"If Arsenal lose then they will be out," he continued.

"The gap will be 13 points and that is too much in this league.

"For them this is a must-win game."