Has Jack got the wrong attitude? by Dan Smith
In our hearts we all want Jack Wilshere to stay. A Gooner as a child, with us since the age of 7, he can genuinely say he loves the club. Going by his recent posts of social media though it seems he has made up his mind to move on. It’s been a while since he was made an offer, one that would see his salary cut but more incentive based. Our board seem to feel wary of paying over the odds for someone so injury prone, despite in the last year him proving his fitness.
Originally I saw this as Stan Kroenke yet again putting business ahead of ambition. Yet recent reports have suggested the player has now sat down with his new manager and the conclusion is this decision is not based on money but assurances of playing time.
Given how long he has spent on the sidelines I can understand any professional wanting to make up for lost time. The fact is though for anyone to want any guarantees after finishing 6th, many points off the top 4 yet alone Man City, is worrying. After last season no one should not be sweating for their place.
Perhaps it’s an example of how comfortable the squad became under Arsene Wenger that Wilshere had the nerve to not expect to have to fight to keep his spot. While he was good in the last campaign he wasn’t outstanding. For the sake of no competition it seems he is willing to take a backwards move to a West Ham or Crystal Palace, most likely ruining his chances of adding to the FA Cups he has won. Why he does not have the mentality that he will train and then play so good his new boss won’t have a choice to pick him, suggests this is a man who’s confidence is low. Gareth Southgate does not rate him and now he finds his first love not begging him to stay. Unfortunately it appears he will take the easy way out.
I would understand if he said Juventus interested him. That would be viewed as a fresh challenge, where he could win silverware in a League which probably would suit him physically. They’re not going to make him any promises either though. If he ends up choosing to go to mid table side then what a waste of a talent.
Dan Smith