Jack Wilshere insists Russell Martin’s uncertain position at Leicester City will have had bearing on Luton Town’s preparations for today’s lunchtime meeting, with the Hatters’ boss focused on the challenge posed by the visitors rather than the pressure surrounding their manager.
Ten years on from winning the Premier League and five since lifting the FA Cup, the Foxes find themselves in Leaguer One after a double relegation out of the top flight, replacing the Hatters as the last team to slip to the third tier thanks to two consecutive demotions.
Martin’s side were pre-season favourites for top spot in the division and come to Kenilworth Road after back-to-back victories for the first time this term, having endured a difficult start to the season before that, which prompted scrutiny of the former Southampton and Swansea City boss.
But Wilshere said he had not considered his opposite number’s situation while preparing for the game. Instead, the Luton manager has spent the past 48 hours studying Leicester’s performances and identifying how his team can exploit their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
“I don’t think necessarily any way in my prep did I think about Russell Martin being under pressure or not being under pressure,” Wilshere said.
“When you’re in this job, you quickly learn that there’s so much going on that you have to focus on. You have to deal with players, teams that we’re going to come up against, injuries, problems like that, that over the last 48 hours has taken up my time while watching Leicester.”
Wilshere will be familiar with Martin from their playing days, and the former Arsenal midfielder said recalled the Foxes boss as a player and expressed admiration for the principles he has carried into management.
The Town boss said: “Russell Martin is someone I remember as a player, really aggressive, really committed. And he’s obviously gone on to many different clubs and someone who’s got a real clear way of playing and someone who has a lot of courage to keep doing it and, believing in his way. And I think, massive respect for that.”
Wilshere also expects Leicester to provide a different test to some of the sides Luton have faced this season, with both teams looking to play on the front foot and dominate possession with an average of close to 70 per cent of the ball this season.
He believes that should make for an engaging contest, but warned his players they will need to remain alert against a City side capable of creating chances and taking control of a game.
“Both teams want to attack, both teams, yes, have a certain way of playing a game and probably slightly different to anything we’ve experienced this season,” Wilshere said.
“We like these games. I like these games. I think the players do as well. They give players something to think about and we always have to stay focused because they can play through you anytime. So, a challenge for us, but one we’re looking forward to.”
Wilshere said Leicester had shown enough in recent performances to demand Luton’s full attention, regardless of the pressure surrounding Martin.
“They’re in every single game, they’ve had moments and spells in games where they’ve dominated the ball, where they’ve created chances,” he said.
With both sides seeking to impose their style on the contest, Wilshere’s message is that Luton must prepare for the team in front of them rather than become distracted by the circumstances around their manager.
A fan’s view…
It’s the double drop derby between the last two teams to have ever been relegated from the Premier League and the Championship in consecutive seasons, so there’s PLENTY to talk about on They Tried To Kill Us Off… the indepdendent Luton Town podcast.
🦊 Leicester love to pass, pass and pass again. Can Luton stop them?
🤔 Should Jack Wilshere fight fire with fire — or be more pragmatic?
⚡ Can the Hatters exploit Leicester’s weaknesses on the counter?
📊 Is this really a 50/50 game, despite the Foxes’ reputation?
🏟️ And could the Kenilworth Road crowd make the difference?
Kev and Jimbo get into the tactics, the danger men and what Luton need to do to pull off a massive win.
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