According to Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, Wilshere is lucky to be playing and he plays often because there is no pressure to win titles at Arsenal.
Jack Wilshere has been a massive player for Arsenal this year after finding his feet on-loan at Bolton Wanderers last year. Arsene Wenger has placed high hopes on the young England midfielder this season- making him a regular fixture in his line-up.
However, Guardiola also took a dig at the Gunners as he spoke about the absence of pressure to win titles at Arsenal and how that situation has benefited Jack Wilshere immensely. He also added that Barcelona do possess lots of players like Jack Wilshere in their reserve team.
"Wilshere is a top player,” he told reporters. “He is an excellent player, not just Arsenal, but also for the national team.
“[But] he is lucky because we have many players in the second team like him but he plays because there is no pressure at his club to win titles."
However, the former Barcelona midfielder is also aware of the threat Arsenal can cause with their formidable attacking line-up.
"Arsenal have many alternatives, are very dynamic and can play in different positions,” he admitted.
“Their counter attack is great; we will try to prevent that. This is always a special game in the Champions League and it is a magnificent challenge."
"I keep hearing about the fragility in the minds of the Arsenal players, but I do not agree.
“They are competing with Manchester United for the Premier League, reached the final of the Carling Cup and a few seasons ago were in the final of the Champions League. Arsenal are always in the top, when you compete every season at the top, it is because you are quality."
The Catalans will need to overturn Arsenal's 2-1 lead when they host the Gunners at the Nou Camp. However, Guardiola wants Arsenal's best players to be nowhere other than the pitch so that a beautiful spectacle of football could be showcased- even if a private jet is needed to pick up Theo Walcott at the last minute
"I want all the great players to play,” he continued. “Everyone against everyone and see a great show tomorrow.
“I hope they are all in the team – Van Persie, [Samir] Nasri, Cesc [Fábregas]. I want [Alex] Song to play, because I would like to play the best possible Arsenal. If Van Persie plays, then no problem.”
"Maybe there could be a private flight for [Theo] Walcott to come in at the last minute – you never know."
However, Guardiola also took a dig at the Gunners as he spoke about the absence of pressure to win titles at Arsenal and how that situation has benefited Jack Wilshere immensely. He also added that Barcelona do possess lots of players like Jack Wilshere in their reserve team.
"Wilshere is a top player,” he told reporters. “He is an excellent player, not just Arsenal, but also for the national team.
“[But] he is lucky because we have many players in the second team like him but he plays because there is no pressure at his club to win titles."
However, the former Barcelona midfielder is also aware of the threat Arsenal can cause with their formidable attacking line-up.
"Arsenal have many alternatives, are very dynamic and can play in different positions,” he admitted.
“Their counter attack is great; we will try to prevent that. This is always a special game in the Champions League and it is a magnificent challenge."
"I keep hearing about the fragility in the minds of the Arsenal players, but I do not agree.
“They are competing with Manchester United for the Premier League, reached the final of the Carling Cup and a few seasons ago were in the final of the Champions League. Arsenal are always in the top, when you compete every season at the top, it is because you are quality."
The Catalans will need to overturn Arsenal's 2-1 lead when they host the Gunners at the Nou Camp. However, Guardiola wants Arsenal's best players to be nowhere other than the pitch so that a beautiful spectacle of football could be showcased- even if a private jet is needed to pick up Theo Walcott at the last minute
"I want all the great players to play,” he continued. “Everyone against everyone and see a great show tomorrow.
“I hope they are all in the team – Van Persie, [Samir] Nasri, Cesc [Fábregas]. I want [Alex] Song to play, because I would like to play the best possible Arsenal. If Van Persie plays, then no problem.”
"Maybe there could be a private flight for [Theo] Walcott to come in at the last minute – you never know."
