Mikel Arteta is enjoying an exceptional post-retirement career in football management at Arsenal, and two of his former teammates have joined him in the coaching realm this week.
The Spaniard has overseen Arsenal’s rise from mid-table mediocrity to perennial Premier League title challengers, establishing himself as one of the best coaches in world football in the process.
He’s arguably already Arsene Wenger’s finest coaching disciple, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Freddie Ljungberg not quite attaining the Gunners’ boss’ level of success.
However, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere have entered the fold in interim roles this week, and could be set to make their mark on the managerial world over the next five to ten years.
Mikel Arteta sends message to Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey after managerial roles confirmed
Ramsey was appointed Cardiff City interim head coach for the rest of the season last week, following the sacking of Hale End graduate Omer Riza.
The Welshman has two games to save his boyhood club from relegation to League One.
Meanwhile, Wilshere was named Norwich City’s temporary boss on Tuesday, after the Canaries dismissed Johannes Hoff Thorup.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder has games against Middlesbrough and Cardiff to stake his claim for the permanent position at Carrow Road.
Speaking to the media prior to the Gunners’ clash with Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Arteta sent his two former teammates a message regarding their respective new roles.
“We wish him [Wilshere] the best obviously,” he said.
“He’s decided to accept the role and with the games that are left, same with Aaron [Ramsey] as well, which is very good to see some ex-teammates take some important roles in management.
“Wish them the best, to both of them.”
Jack Wilshere could be destined for great things in management
As soon as Wilshere was forced into a premature retirement due to persistent injury issues, he opted to explore a coaching career.
Taking charge of Arsenal’s under-21s, he has been praised for playing a role in the development of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Leaving Hale End earlier this season, Wilshere was appointed as a Norwich coach, and he now has the perfect opportunity to showcase his coaching talents.
While Ramsey has been thrown into the deep end, the Englishman has two low-pressure games to put his team out in an organised fashion and impress the Carrow Road hierarchy.
Even if he doesn’t land the permanent job, his stock could rise significantly and he could be in line for a role elsewhere.
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