In Jack Wilshere's first press conference as interim head coach, he confirmed that Angus Gunn was back in training but it could be too soon for Ante Crnac's return in this weekend's Sky Bet Championship fixture against Middlesbrough.
"The mood is okay, that was the focus this week, to create some energy in training and it's okay.
"This is my first experience of working for a head coach as a coach and when you're in that environment, you don't have time to think about much other than preparing for a game, then the next comes.
"I really enjoyed my time with Glen and Johannes, they were a big part of that reason when I came to the club.
"When I got the job, I had their full support and believed in the process and strategy they talked about.
"I respected what Ben (Knapper) was dealing with and managing that situation and I knew what the group needed, so we spoke about the team and what's expected.
When asked if he felt up to the task at hand, Wilshere said: "I've been in this role for two and a half days, I made the decision to come here and leave Arsenal as Under-18s coach. I wanted to do that role as part of my journey into coaching; I didn't want to leave Arsenal unless I felt like I was ready to make an impact.
"I'm ready to be a head coach at this level but I also know that the next two games are what's important, yes I feel ready but my focus right now is on the next two games
"Johannes did some outstanding work, yes, results are important and we don't want to get away from that."
On expectations from the players in these final two games, he said: "I want to see a team that is hungry to prove a few people wrong, to prove that games are important, we are where we are but the best thing for a player is the next game.
"If I'd have said seven months ago I was going to be interim head coach against Aaron Ramsey's Cardiff next week, it just shows football is crazy and anything can happen.
"Part of going on this journey of becoming a better leader and coach is that you have to have the humility to seek advice.
"I am sat in a position now as Norwich City interim head coach, so I'd be crazy not to reach out to people who have been in a similar position.
"It's important for me to send a message that this is not about me, this is about the players feeling in a place where they can perform.
"My job was to lift the players and focus on the next few games, rather than see this as an audition. It's important that the players know that they are good players, because they are.
"We've asked for energy, smiles on faces; it's a mixed group emotionally.
"We have some players that will feel responsible, that will see it as an opportunity.
"You have to respect that in that moment. I gave the players a few things to focus on this week, we had a really good day Tuesday, some recovered, some trained.
"With Tony (Roberts) and Nick (Stanley), we have come together, we understood the focus and we've all done a bit of everything.
"We've also had some support form Joe Shulberg and Declan Rudd in the Under-21s."
On fitness amongst the squad, Wilshere confirmed that Gunn would be available to make the trip to the Riverside Stadium.
"Gunny has been back training, congratulations to him on his baby, so he is available.
"Ante (Crnac) is doing well, he surprised a few people because of the nature of the injury, but the medical team have done really well to get him into this position. It might be too soon this weekend.
"With Matěj, my feeling is that we need to be a little bit calmer. He is a player we invested in on a five-year contract and he will be a really good player for this club.
"He is adapting to the league, we just need to keep building. It's day-by-day with him.
On Middlesbrough head coach, Michael Carrick, he said: "What a top player, he is someone that I looked at as an ex-teammate who has taken the step into coaching.
"I like the way they play, they're a good team, they have some good players.
"I want to see a team that's hungry and plays with purpose.
"Sometimes when you're going through a tough time, that's how you get back, you have to earn the right to win the ball.
"When I got the call from Ben (Knapper), there was this feeling of excitement and nervousness, a feeling I haven't had since I made my debut and I hope the players can feel that too."