Mikel Arteta has given advice to Jack Wilshere over new managerial role

Jack Wilshere has been appointed as the new Luton Town manager, marking his first permanent managerial role following a brief stint as interim coach at Norwich City. This represents a significant step in his career, as he previously turned down an offer from Arsenal to join as a youth coach, preferring to wait for the opportunity to manage a senior team. His chance has now arrived at Luton, a club that holds personal significance as it was his first team before he moved to Arsenal during his formative years.

The challenge ahead is substantial, as Luton Town has experienced a downward trajectory since being relegated from the Premier League. Wilshere inherits a squad that requires both tactical direction and morale rebuilding, and he is determined to halt the club’s decline across divisions. Despite the scale of the task, the former midfielder has approached it with readiness and ambition, demonstrating a willingness to learn from established managers to strengthen his own approach.

Seeking Guidance from Mikel Arteta

Ahead of his first matches in charge, Wilshere reached out to Mikel Arteta for guidance on transitioning into a senior managerial role. He has spoken openly about the advice offered by the Arsenal manager, reflecting on the lessons that he believes will aid him in his own journey. Wilshere said via Metro Sports, “I spoke to Mikel and asked when he knew he was ready. He laughed and said, ‘You just have to jump in and swim as hard as you can’. He’s obviously done that really well and I was close to that. This feels a little bit similar to that. Of course it’s a different level, but when Mikel went in, it wasn’t a nice place at Arsenal, the fans were not sure what was happening.”