Arsene Wenger: 'Jack Wilshere doesn't need to change his game'

By Daniel Cross, Reporter | 11 February 2013

Wenger: 'Wilshere doesn't need to change'

Arsene Wenger sees no need for Jack Wilshere to reign in his style, after suggestions that the Arsenal midfielder needs to protect himself from future injuries.

Arsene Wenger has rejected claims that Jack Wilshere needs to adapt his game in order to protect himself against long-term injury.

The midfielder was taken off after a collision with Alfred N'Diaye during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.

There had been calls for Wilshere to reign in his swashbuckling style in order to prevent further injuries, but Wenger sees no problem.

"It's Jack's game and he has to take that gamble," Wenger told The Guardian. "Jack's game is to take the ball and go at people. Lionel Messi does that as well and plays without being injured.

"You can only make a career with the strong aspect of your game, and that's Jack's strength. You say to him 'play like you play, like who you are and express yourself the way you feel'.

"I have had a word with him about tight marking but I don't want to transform the player to an attitude of paranoia. I've told him 'just be natural and play your game', it's down to referees to protect him when needed."

Wenger did not think that Wilshere's injury was serious and he is only expected to be out for a few days.