Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere turn from Arsenal team-mates into foes ahead of the Championship’s final day, writes JAMES SHARPE
The year was 2008 when two young footballers, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, made their Premier League debut as teenagers under the guidance of the legendary Arsene Wenger. Both players were introduced as late substitutes in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Blackburn, marking the beginning of a decade-long partnership on the pitch. As they grew together, they played over 100 games as teammates before their final joint outing in 2018, when Arsenal crashed out of the Europa League semi-finals against Atletico Madrid. Fast forward to the present, and these two old friends are now standing on opposite sides of the dugout, each embarking on their maiden journey as first-team managers in the Championship.
As fate would have it, Ramsey has taken caretaker charge of Cardiff City, his hometown club, following the sacking of Omer Riza, while Wilshere has been handed the interim reins at Norwich City after Johannes Hoff Thorup’s dismissal. Although it’s early days in their coaching careers, it’s evident that they’ve been shaped by the managerial greats they’ve played under. Ramsey, in particular, has been influenced by Wenger’s emphasis on freedom of expression, which has been reflected in his early messages to his players. Instead of focusing on tactics, Ramsey has prioritized instilling his principles and habits in his team. Wilshere, on the other hand, has drawn inspiration from a range of managers, including Wenger, Mikel Arteta, David Moyes, and Eddie Howe, taking a holistic approach to developing his players and coaching style.
Ramsey’s journey into management has been a whirlwind experience, having been thrust into the caretaker role with just three matches remaining in the season. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t prevent Cardiff’s relegation, which was sealed after a goalless draw with West Brom. The 34-year-old Welshman has been open about his nerves ahead of his first game in charge, admitting that he struggled to sleep due to the weight of responsibility. He’s also sought guidance from Wales boss Craig Bellamy, who has been a valuable sounding board for Ramsey. Meanwhile, Wilshere has hit the ground running at Norwich, taking charge of the team after a successful stint as the club’s Under 18s coach. His debut matchday as a head coach was a memorable one, with Wilshere running a 3km marathon warm-up before his first team talk, where he emphasized the importance of energy, hunger, and desire to win duels.
Both Wilshere and Ramsey have spoken about the influence of Arsene Wenger on their playing careers and now, as managers. Wenger’s philosophy of giving players the freedom to express themselves has stuck with them, and they’re eager to implement a similar approach in their own teams. Wilshere, in particular, has been praised for his open and honest approach, which has earned him the respect of parents and players alike. During his time as Arsenal’s academy staff, Wilshere would often call players to explain why they were dropped, showing a level of empathy and understanding that’s rare in the cutthroat world of football. At Norwich, he’s introduced a more relaxed atmosphere, with music playing at the training ground and the kitman, Pete Dye, delivering the final speech before matches.
As Wilshere and Ramsey navigate the challenges of management, they’re drawing on the lessons they learned from their time under various managers. Wilshere has spoken about the importance of developing individual players, à la Eddie Howe, while also emphasizing the need for a clear playing style, inspired by Mikel Arteta. Ramsey, meanwhile, has been focused on instilling his principles and habits in his team, with a view to creating a positive and dynamic team culture. As they stand on the touchline, facing each other as opponents for the first time, it’s clear that they’re both eager to make their mark on the beautiful game.
The final day of the Championship season will be a poignant moment for Wilshere and Ramsey, as they lock horns in a match that will be a watershed moment in their fledgling managerial careers. Despite the outcome, it’s evident that both men have the potential to become top-class managers, drawing on the wisdom and experience of their playing days to inspire the next generation of footballers. As they take their first steps into management, they’ll be acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but with their passion, dedication, and willingness to learn, the future looks bright for these two former Arsenal teammates turned managerial foes. The stage is set for an intriguing contest, with Wilshere and Ramsey ready to put their skills to the test and prove themselves as capable and innovative managers in their own right.
