Wenger: Wilshere is focused

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
11 Sep	3:00 PM	P	Bolton Wanderers (H)	4	1	Win

Arsène Wenger says he has spoken to Jack Wilshere since his arrest and insists his player is fine.

Wilshere was dropped to the bench by England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce, as he felt the 18-year-old was not in the right state of mind to be starting the game.

However, the midfielder made an impact off the bench, coming on with the score at 0-0 and setting up a goal for Danny Welbeck.

Wenger now says he would have no hesitation in playing Wilshere against Bolton at the Emirates this Saturday.

The Frenchman said: "I have spoken to him since his arrest and he is focused.

"I believe he is always focused. When he is on the football pitch, he wants the ball and wants to play.

"It could have been a concern of Pearce, but I believe Jack is a happy boy on the football pitch."

Wenger also responded to comments made by Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who said that young footballers of today have problems with discipline.

The Gunners boss believes the problems are no worse than they used to be, saying: "We have all been 20-years-old - none of us were angels at 20, and we have all made mistakes.

"But I believe as well that what makes careers like Rio Ferdinand is at some stage they know when to stop and when to focus on their job and that is most important.

"I believe the youth today is not worse than they were 10 years ago.

"Let's not go overboard - our responsibility first is how our players play on the pitch."

User Comments

User Comments

• Got something to say?
• Read comments

Vs chelsea