Jack Wilshere feels he has what it takes to make an impact as a head coach – but insists Norwich’s final two games of a forgettable Sky Bet Championship campaign are not all about him.
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.
“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.”
