ARSENE WENGER has told Mikel Arteta how to deal with Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil.
The German playmaker has not played a single minute for the Gunners this season but their legendary former boss has revealed how to get the best out of him.
Arsene Wenger has revealed how to get the best out of Mesut OzilCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The German playmaker has not played a single minute for Mikel Arteta this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arsenal are reportedly trying to terminate Ozil’s £350,000-a-week contract after he was axed from their Europa League squad.
And while Wenger recognises the 31-year-old’s flaws, he says it’s just about finding the right balance in selection.
Wenger told Der Spiegel: “He wasn’t exactly the one with the greatest discipline on the pitch.
“And playing the game without the ball wasn’t exactly his forte.
“But you can deal with that if you put some more defensively minded players by his side.
“The main thing is to get the balance between attack and defence right.
“Players have lost their technical quality over the past ten years.
“Athleticism has become more important than technique and decision making.
“It’s more about physical characteristics and intensity, about explosiveness. And it’s also about being a showman.”
Despite all the criticism, Ozil showed his charitable side this week – launching a footwear range with the profits going to help kids affected by coronavirus in Italy.
As well as being one of the highest paid footballers on the planet, Ozil is also one of the most generous.
He has been one of Arsenal’s biggest earners after signing from Real Madrid for £42.5million six years ago.
And he recently offered to pay Gunnersaurus’ wages after Arsenal sacked the long-serving mascot.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
