Mesut Ozil has been criticised by Arsenal fans during the 2019/20 season. He’s labeled as a lazy player, does not like running and chasing the ball. He likes when the ball is passed to his feet.
Speaking to reporters, Arsenal’s new head coach Mikel Arteta said he’ll be surprised if Ozil can change his work ethic.
“I put him in the team if I see every day that his attitude, desire and understanding of what we’re trying to do is there. He has the will and if he is in a better moment than somebody else, I will pick him. The moment this changes, he won’t play.” Arteta said.
“I hope he can sustain this level every three or four days. He’s putting in everything he has to try and do that, and I think his numbers physically have improved so much as well. He’s willing every day in training,’ said the Spaniard.
“I know him well, so I’m not surprised. I know about his ability and I know the player we have there. As well, the structure has to be there to be able to help him to produce everything that he has inside.” Arteta added.
Ozil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013. The German’s future at Emirates has been uncertain for some time.
However, Arteta confirmed that former his team-mate will not leave Arsenal during January’s transfer window and hoping he can help other players to improve team’s position in the table.
“My worry now is that the defeat affects confidence. I hope the result doesn’t affect them too much. They were all physically blown and disappointed in how the game ended because they don’t feel they deserved that, but we have to move on.
“They have to respond and this is the challenge now. Every game for us is must win. Against any opponent we have to win. We are Arsenal and these are the demands. The level of pressure is different when you look up the table or down.
“At the moment I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the table, but to our performance. And the result relating to the performance that we can put on the pitch.”
