Unai Emery has explained what Mesut Ozil must do to break into Arsenal’s starting eleven.
Mesut Ozil was one of the players who was enjoying himself during the 22-game unbeaten streak. But, it has been the complete opposite ever since their first defeat to Southampton in three months during December.
The German International was constantly carrying niggles and was out injured for most of the games. Apart from injuries, Unai Emery was totally infuriated when the former Real Madrid midfielder played the famous video game ‘Fortnite’ for five hours a day and hampered his process by sitting on the sidelines for two weeks because of that problem.
‘When you start supporting a football club, you don’t support it because of the trophies, or a player, or history, you support it because you found yourself somewhere there; found a place where you belong.’ 🙏🏼 || #DennisBergkamp pic.twitter.com/kKM8kDhm8T
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) February 15, 2019
When the Spaniard was once asked about the exclusion of Mesut Ozil from the squad, Emery said it’s down to tactical decisions as he struggles to fit into his system which is to press high up the pitch and retrieve the ball from the opponent as soon as possible.
Unai Emery offered him to Inter Milan, but they decided to back out because of ludicrous wages which is coming back haunt the Gunners. The German International reportedly turned down an approach from Paris Saint-Germain in the deadline day in order to fight for a place in the starting lineup.
Mesut Ozil was also left out the Europa League tie against BATE Borisov in the Europa League which ended in a 1-0 loss. However, Unai Emery has said him to train consistently and give the most to break into the starting lineup.
“I have asked him to be available to us”
More Unai Emery on Mesut Ozil: https://t.co/ehNKpmwSxC pic.twitter.com/G1g0jeGaL0
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 20, 2019
“He needs to be consistent in training and for matches, without injury or being sick.”
Unai Emery says Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal future is ‘in his hands.’
➡ https://t.co/GeGWDrvAEJ pic.twitter.com/UKMJANySrU
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 20, 2019
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Unai Emery said “First, mostly, the key is in his hand. And he is working very well this week. I ask him in our conversations to be consistent.
“To be available for us training. When you can train with regularity, consistency, you can help us after in the games. Now I think this week is good for all the players because we are in an important moment for the season.
“I am looking at him in the training like we want. I know he wants. But he needs to be consistent, be available for training, for the matches. Without the injuries, without being sick. Like that, I think we can see the best Mesut with us.”
Arsenal will take on BATE Borisov in the second leg at the Emirates and will be hoping to overturn their lead to head into the next round of the competition. Following the game against Belarusian footballing team, they will return to the Premier League action to invite Southampton to London on Sunday.
