Jack Wilshere keen to make impact at Norwich but stressed ‘it's not about me'
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Wilshere was handed a first opportunity in charge of a senior side after the Canaries parted company with head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup on Tuesday.
Danish coach Hoff Thorup had only been appointed to the Carrow Road hotseat last May – and on a three-year deal as part of the Norfolk club's long-term vision – but was dismissed following a run of just two wins in 14 matches which saw his side slip down the table and out of play-off contention.
Taking charge 💼 pic.twitter.com/XBk2JeHPjM
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 23, 2025
Wilshere retired from playing in 2022, having also had spells with West Ham, Bournemouth and Danish club AGF.
He was appointed Arsenal under-18 coach and led them to the final of the 2022–23 FA Youth Cup, before joining Hoff Thorup's coaching staff in October.
The 33-year-old has made no secret of his ambition to make the transition into management, but stressed his short-term focus must be on getting Norwich positive results from the final two games – away at Middlesbrough then home to Cardiff, both managed by his former team-mates.
'I made the decision to come here and leave Arsenal as Under-18s coach. I wanted to do that role as part of my journey into coaching, and I didn't want to leave Arsenal unless I felt like I was ready to make an impact,' Wilshere said at a press conference.
A post shared by Jack Wilshere (@jackwilshere)
'I am ready to be a head coach at this level, but I also know that the next two games are what is important.
'Yes I feel ready, but my focus right now is on the next two games.
Wilshere. who is set to run the London Marathon on Sunday, added: 'It is important for me to send a message that this is not about me – this is about the players feeling in a place where they can perform.
'My job was to lift the players and focus on the next few games, rather than see this as an audition.
'It is important that the players are good players, because they are.
'We have some players that will feel responsible, that will see it as an opportunity.
'I want to see a team that is hungry to prove a few people wrong, to prove that games are important.
'We are where we are, but the best thing for a player is the next game.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
'The time has come' - Thomas Frank's touching message after becoming Spurs boss
Thomas Frank was confirmed as the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night, electing to swap London rivals Brentford for the Europa League winners after seven years at the helm of the Bees Thomas Frank insists Brentford will always have 'a big piece of my heart' as he begins life in charge of Premier League rivals Tottenham. Spurs announced Frank as their new head coach on Thursday night on a three-year deal. It ended Frank's time at Brentford, where he won 136 of his 317 matches across a seven-year spell, with the Danish coach able to lead the club into the Premier League for the first time in 2021 via Championship play-off success at Wembley. He will now be handed cash and the keys to the kingdom in north London, in a bid to vastly improve on last season's 17th place finish in the Premier League, which ultimately led to Ange Postecoglou's exit. In an emotional message posted on Brentford's official club website on Friday, Frank said: 'The time has come for me to move on. But, even as I leave, I know I have left a big piece of my heart at Brentford, not just at the football club but with the community and, of course, the incredible and loyal supporters. 'I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one. For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community – it's an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you. 'Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans. 'Everybody has contributed, and every contribution has been invaluable. I am not just leaving a football club, I am saying goodbye to friends whose support through good and bad times I will carry with me always. 'I would like to say a special word of thanks to Matthew Benham. His trust and friendship have meant so much and the fact he gave me a chance in English football means I will always owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you, Matt. 'So, while this is a goodbye, I hope the relationships I have built with everybody will be lasting ones and, of course, we will meet again in the wonderful world of football. Thank you, Thomas.' Spurs announced on Friday they would visit Luton for a pre-season friendly on July 26. Further fixtures in addition to Tottenham's tour of Asia towards the end of July are still to be announced, but Frank's first fixture in charge will currently be at Kenilworth Road.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Gabriel urges Arsenal to complete £67m transfer for ‘phenomenal' Brazil team-mate Rodrygo amid Real Madrid frustration
The Gunners are also targeting two strikers ARSENAL have been urged to sign "phenomenal" Real Madrid ace Rodrygo by defender Gabriel Magalhaes. The Gunners are expected to spend big this summer in a bid to end their wait for a major trophy. Advertisement 4 Gabriel has urged Arsenal to sign one of his Brazil team-mates 4 Rodrygo has been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks Credit: Getty With a £55million deal for Martin Zubimendi all-but complete, they are now shifting focus to attacking reinforcements. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are being considered as leading candidates for the No9 spot. Meanwhile, Rodrygo - currently valued at around £67m - has emerged as a top target for the wing. Arsenal reportedly approached Real Madrid over a potential transfer recently. Advertisement READ MORE ON ARSENAL GUNNER BLOW Arsenal files: Twist in striker saga as Gunners may be forced into Plan C However, they face competition from some other clubs. Arsenal defender Gabriel is in favour of the move and claimed that he would love to see his international team-mate at the Emirates Stadium. Asked on the Podpah podcast if he knew anything about Arsenal's pursuit of the winger, Gabriel responded: "I don't. No, I don't, not really. "But I'd like obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He's not at Arsenal… Advertisement Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates "If it depended on me, I've told people already, he's a phenomenon. "His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course." £67M Real Madrid Star Rodrygo on Gunners Hit List | From The Sports Desk | Sun Sport 4 Advertisement Gabriel thrilled Arsenal fans by signing a new four-year contract extension last week. On his new deal, the centre-back said: "I arrived here as a young player and after almost five years I'm so happy and I've learned a lot. "I'm so proud of myself, it's an amazing journey, and I'm so happy to continue it. "I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club and my family loves the club, too. Advertisement "Arsenal is an amazing club and I'm so proud to sign a new contract. "I love this club, I love the supporters, my team-mates, I love this stadium. "I'm so proud and thank you for all the support. We continue together for the future." 4 Gabriel signed a new Arsenal deal last week Credit: Getty
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Gabriel urges Arsenal to complete £67m transfer for ‘phenomenal' Brazil team-mate Rodrygo amid Real Madrid frustration
ARSENAL have been urged to sign "phenomenal" Real Madrid ace Rodrygo by defender Gabriel Magalhaes. The Gunners are expected to spend big this summer in a bid to end their wait for a major trophy. 4 4 With a £55million deal for Martin Zubimendi all-but complete, they are now shifting focus to attacking reinforcements. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are being considered as leading candidates for the No9 spot. Meanwhile, Rodrygo - currently valued at around £67m - has emerged as a top target for the wing. Arsenal reportedly approached Real Madrid over a potential transfer recently. However, they face competition from some other clubs. Arsenal defender Gabriel is in favour of the move and claimed that he would love to see his international team-mate at the Emirates Stadium. Asked on the Podpah podcast if he knew anything about Arsenal's pursuit of the winger, Gabriel responded: "I don't. No, I don't, not really. "But I'd like obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He's not at Arsenal… "If it depended on me, I've told people already, he's a phenomenon. "His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course." 4 Gabriel thrilled Arsenal fans by signing a new four-year contract extension last week. On his new deal, the centre-back said: "I arrived here as a young player and after almost five years I'm so happy and I've learned a lot. "I'm so proud of myself, it's an amazing journey, and I'm so happy to continue it. "I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club and my family loves the club, too. "Arsenal is an amazing club and I'm so proud to sign a new contract. "I love this club, I love the supporters, my team-mates, I love this stadium. "I'm so proud and thank you for all the support. We continue together for the future." 4
