Our job as supporters is not just to celebrate when things are going well. As a fan we should back our own, be the voice that pushes them on with our encouragement giving confidence when they face adversity.
And at the moment Ozil needs us gooners more then ever. Ozil was already due to start the season with a spotlight on him. He’s often been cited as an example of a player who became too comfortable and not challenged enough under Arsene Wenger. Examples include being given too much time off after international tournaments and missing too many matches due to illness. Even Jose Mourhinio has stated he had to use certain techniques to manage the German’s confidence at Real Madrid.
How Unai Emery gets the best out of our play maker was one of the fascinating prospects of having a new manager. But we may need to accept that a stunning start to the season from Ozil is now not realistic. Not just should we accept it but a true gunner should understand it.
There’s often been a myth in football that players earn so much money that they don’t care about the everyday issues we all face. Even if your earning 350-000 a week, you’re still human, feeling racially abused, feeling neglected by a country he served so well, that’s going to hurt. Indeed for someone who’s mentality is often in question, it takes strength to release the statement he did at the weekend. He would have advisors questioning, with his family receiving death threats, if now was the time to take on the head of German Football.
He’s smart enough to know that he will be encouraging abuse not ending it by fighting back. He also knows that there will be Germany fans even more happy to use him as a scapegoat for a team’s collective failure. There’s a cruel irony to take out of the last World Cup. Many of us were told not to go to Russia as their game was crippled with racism, yet it’s the defending world champions who have been accused of the offence by one of their own.
So Ozil isn’t enjoying his summer right now and I dare say he’s not in love with football In general. So us Arsenal fans now have a job to give him a hug. Show him that the Emirates is a place where he is valued, respected and wanted. Let’s not worry about his form in the short term.
Let’s show empathy. We know he’s hurting so lets pick him up.
It’s what true gooners would do…
Dan Smith
Dan Smith… you have a heart after all!! Only joking mate ?
Ozil has my support
We have rejected a £7.5m bid from AS Roma for Petr Cech.Whether that is right thing to do is another thing.This can only mean that Sommer to Arsenal is 100% not happening.Ospina too is 100% leaving.
We are surely going to try for Dembele likely on a loan deal should Willian to Chelsea materialise.If that move doesn’t materialise we are likely to explore other options such as Lozano.
Also for those who can’t wait to see Torreira play he will join up with the squad next week by July 30th.
thanks for the update
when exactly will we go for dembele kev? you persist with this supposition. where it anything more you’d likely be on the clubs payroll. have your excuse ready kev – there continues to be absolutely no substance to this dembele to arsenal drivel.
It will be so stupid not listen to offers for Chech. The guy will be 37 when his contract is up. Are keeping him beyond that. Sell him and we are OK with Leno, Martinez and one of our under 23 keeper. It is time to give these kids chance.
Eventhough Ozil is my not favorite “footballer”, the human in me really feels for him in what is a childish, ridiculous and embarrassing act from Germany.
How can they have such stupid sense of entitlement, depriving someone freedom to take a mere harmless picture…wtf!
Ozil for me has done right thing, and i support him for that, a brave move from him, how can he receive all the blame for Germany’s poor outing, how? Especially when the clueless, naive and coward manager kept on playing the utterly useless, technically void and the ever invisible Muller all the time, Who,when he is not scoring, is just a waste of space.
However, the deed has been done and Ozil has less than than a month to brood over this and shrug it all off before the season begins, all other talking should be done on the pitch, this shouldnt be an excuse for him to underperform or get missing when mostly needed, time to be our talisman, he can be and he should BE!
Eventhough Ozil is NOT!!!
Dan, I totally agree – both in general terms and specifically regarding Özil. Sure, I am a big fan of Özil and his undisputed talents but the harassment he receives is terrible. I’m going to the ManC game with my son and we’ll for sure voice our support to him.
Yes the luxurious international
playboy lifestyle of top
sportsmen can be tough.
Bet Ozil would much prefer to be working at McDonald’s
280 Holloway Road flipping burgers for 7 quid an hour.
u r so intelligent
barryglik, would you accept your family being abused because of your supposed performance at your job or profession?
Do you even realise how ignorant and cold-hearted you sound? Can you even begin to imagine what it would be like to have an entire nation attack you? To have an entire nation blame you for their World Cup exit? To have multiple people in positions of authority in German football leave scathing attacks directed towards you in the media? To read hateful abuse about yourself every single day? Since practically the very first day that he signed for Arsenal he’s been made a scapegoat, he’s been constantly under the lense of the British press who seem to take joy in insulting him and belittling his talents.
I have never in my life seen such a vile and all-encompassing attack on one single player than since Ozil has arrived in England. And for what? Because he’s not a loud-mouthed arrogant dickhead? Because he avoids the spotlight? Because unlike what the pundits and media say, it’s certainly not because of what he does on the pitch, as his stats will prove he is one of the best number 10’s on the planet.
If you call yourself an Arsenal supporter then perhaps you could actually try acting like one and get behind one of our most important players at a time when everyone else is relentlessly attacking him.
?
Very nicely put D
Sounds like some voices from German football are reverting back to there true selves…in those despicable days of anti-semitism and slaughter on millions of Jews. I guess it may take another ass whipping to drive the point home.
You guys get 7 quid an hour? In Africa, the elite get that in a day. And your life is hard!
In Africa? Which country in Africa mate? Because I am sure you arent refering to the whole countries in Africa.
Ozil is the most overrated, overhyped and over praised player I have ever seen at The Arsenal in the decades i have been an Arsenal fan.. The guy is on £300,000 a week, gets excuses from his fanbase season after season. Every single Arsenal player is blamed for Ozil’s underperformance at Arsenal. We have bend over backwards as a team and a club to try to accommodate him in the team with his one dimensional style. Formations after formation have been introduced and changed all to fit him in. Been played in different position just to be kept in the team even if it would have been better getting a more rounded Attacking midfielder.
And if the Germans are being RACISTS towards Ozil instead of just being critical of him in terms of football then fck them. I only accept a player to be criticised in relation to his football, nothing else.
Ozil has a large following on Twitter (about 35 million followers), they are very vocal and look at him as some sort of god (cult hero) and will attack, get sensitive, emotional if ozil is criticised in any way. That is also fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But I am not going to be an Ozil bum-licker just because it makes his fanbase feel good. I will criticise him when i feel it is deserved. He is being paid £300,000 a week. He is labelled by his fans a World Class player, Best No10 in the world, Best Arsenal player blah blah. But then when it comes to judging him to level if his overhype people then get defensive, sensitive and emotional.
Again, I condemn the supposed Racism towards him by some Germans, they should keep the criticism purely on footballing grounds. Racism is sick..
Racism is far worse than just sick. It is evil, Neanderthal and unevolved and only propagated by those who live under green slimy stones.
Mourinho called him the best No.10 in the world, not his fans!!!
i don’t see there’s a pepper-grain of truth to your allegation and is really not a platform for arsenal hating on arsenal either – better your approach son
Michael, where has jon fox been racist in his statement? Please explain?
Jon Fox has been stoutly anti-racist for ever. People like Michael are not worth bothering with.
goonstar, i totally agree with every word you have written, well said there .
Dfb has responded 3 hours ago and it suucks.
In transfer news Arsenal is preparing to
sell Aubameyang to Spurs for 2 million
to help Spurs title bid.
Arsenal intend replacing Auba with Peter Crouch for 90 million.
Ozil will be sold to Man U for 1 million and Arsenal
are eyeing a swoop for Tom Huddlestone for 130 million.
Seems like shrewd business.
I reckon we should try to haggle Crouchy down to 85 mill before buying him. After all he is almost 500 years old now and getting on for a striker. His speed is starting to slow down!
Abbey doesn’t think so.
Great article Dan. Mesut is among friends and admirers with almost 100% on here and in the ground very soon now (can’t wait!) . He has been treated abominably by some in his home country who should be ashamed of themselves. Clearly he is a brave and loyal man and has my, even increased, admiration. I hope that in the fulness of time he may want to play for Germany again, when certain people have gone.
the only practical support one can realistically give anyone in a predicament that mirrors osils’ is to support the kick racism out of football initiative other than this we need to maintain focus not only on mesut but on assembling a team that is going to elevate us from the doldrums of stagnation in the europa. point being made is the appropriate channels used to fight domestic or international racism are instituted and already in place. wondering if the editor can shine any light on the extent to which the kick racism out has gained momentum or not? seems this is the key issue made here.
Yes, 100% support for Ozil and he stays here where he is loved.
Not sure how I feel about Gazidis leaving us for Milan though!
I didn’t see that coming!
It’s so sad how Ozil has been treated by a country he wholeheartedly served…Like Dan said, we gotta give him our support..However, on footballing grounds everyone knows Ozil has not lived up to his hype since his RM days..I don’t remember him giving those mouthwatering passes that his fans keep mentioning..And he has zero goal threat..How I wish we had gone all out for Suarez instead of Ozil..Anyway, let’s hope he proves himself this season so his fanboys don’t have to create any more excuses
Unfortunately Gifted his stats since coming to the EPL don’t support your assumption; fastest player to 50 assists, almost breaking Thierry Henri’s record for assists in one season, but let down by Giroud’s goal scoring drought, created the most chances in two games he played compared to any other player at the World Cup.
Uli Hoeness said nothing about the poor performances of his 8 Bayern Munchen players playing gor Germany!
I agree with you Dan as well the many candid views of many gooners on this issue. Great article keep it up,
“Bellerin is great going forwards” Parlour
Maybe another Bellerin.
Forgive my ignorance, can anyone shed more light on why his picture with Ozil is generating so much fuss. What is really President crime and how is Germany involved in it. I know awhile ago his attempt was made on his life and he lost his best and his son in it.
Ozil and people’s thoughts on his footballing creditabilities is an issue for another day. But swiftly on this note I am sure he would add (as he has) he’s played in the 3 hardest league’s in the world, succeeded and developed. In this time a world cup winners medal has been the icing on a career I am sure he wants to kick on with for the next 5 years.
On the issue with his heritage.
It’s a shame we still discuss such matters as being important.
Identity is important for everyone But the undertone in western countries is still dictorial towards pro-white ideology.
Essentially Ozil for AFC has seen his stats decline over the years as he looks to develop himself as a more goal scoring threat. What unai needs to do is bring back the master passer and I am sure with the current situation Ozil might want to prove a few people wrong…
Some great points Tom and I fully agree!!
Ulli Hoeness Bayern’s president (and ex-con) said he has been playing sh*t for 4 years and was pleased he had retired from International football. Coming from someone like him is something else, he played for his country 35 times and scored 5 goals (and he was a striker) and 7 World Cup appearances 1 goal. Wouldn’t exactly call that prolific.
If he can get his head straight he will be a great asset for AFC particularly now we have a quality attack and a willing runner and finisher in Aubameyang. Not to mention decent coaching for the first time in years. So forget the past and concentrate on the club that is paying your wages.
Uli Hoeness also made no reference to the poor performances of the 8 Bayern Munchen players, who played for Germany during the World Cup. Maybe he was trying to deflect attention!
Total support for Mesut Ozil. Uli Hoeness is no more than a common racist. What about Thomas Muller, Julian Draxler etc etc. they played much worse than Ozil. To single out a man when all the other players were playing like crap is disgusting. We should support Ozil completely. Thankfully we have a wonderful mix in the Arsenal team and in London as a whole. May that always be the case.
I am hoping that all this media drivel, political propaganda, a nation racist body and lies act as a motivational tool to push Ozil to be exceptional for Arsenal this new season.
We know Ozil is a talented player but he is not consistent enough, which is why there are fans like myself who complain when we feel he has not done enough, it is no different than complaining about Xhaka mobility in the midfield, Ramsay knack to lose the ball doing some crappy move or Mustafi concentration issues. So if he does bad i will say he does bad, when he scores i would be the first to say that is the Ozil i want to see.
I wish you the best Ozil and i wish you get over the misery over the past months.
A well balanced comment Ruelando 🙂
The treatment of Ozil has been outrageous. However only to be expected from the fans of a country that booed Lewis Hamilton after his historic victory in Sundays’s Hockenheim Grand Prix.
I think under Emery, we will see a different Ozil, especially with some better quality around him like Torreira and a developing understanding with Mkhitayran. So come on you Gooners, let us give him our wholehearted support and look forward to an exciting season
Arsenal has been playing with 10 men since this “victim”got there. I’m over this guy. He has no character at all.
As John Cleese said in “Faulty Towers” “Don’t mention the war”, but with reference to Uli Hoeness, Bavaria and Munich were famous post 1933 and it wasn’t only for Octoberfest.
OT
It will be interesting to see how Henry does as manager of Aston Villa.
He is my favorite Arsenal player EVER. Hope he does well (except when Villa plays us lol).
I will change my thought about him, when he start giving his all on the field of play…. I want to see him running, pressing with his teammates to get the ball back…
I want to see him challenging for 50-50 balls and not running away…. He has been pampered very much and it must stop…..
You guys should look at David Silva.. He is doing everything
been expected from a Central midfield player……even at
33years….
Coutinho is doing everything too….
What is wrong with all this Ozil fanboys….. Even Zidane in his
playing days presses and tackles, as skillful as Jay Jay
Okocha is, he tackles and fight to win the ball….
Even Messi presses…..
What is the problem with all this Ozil fanboys…..
I can’t stand Ozil been my teammate on the field of play….
We will always fight…
I don’t like loosing possession of the ball, if that happens,
we all must press and win the ball back just like Barcelona….
I don’t tolerate laziness on the field of play….
You all can see that Ozil has no Market demand…
is a Luxury player….
No World class team can accommodate a luxury player…..
Arsenal are not a World Class Team-we are nowhere near being a World Class Team
Phil
Your beloved Ozil is one of the reasons why we’r not a world class team.I am against racisme but in the pitch he’s far from being the Ozil we’v seen at Madrid,which is very irritating knowing his talent.Wenger made a huge mistake in not benching him…
Totally agree!
He is only useful in unlocking defenses of poor teams who Park the bus on us. But even then he is useless in trying to stop the counter and gives up possession easily. He is a total liability.
if Fans doesnt want Alex Iwobi to sign a new deal then they should start protesting and have another empty stadium….
If not just support the club, the manager and the players….
top 3 is a guaranteed….
With all due respect Mr. John Ibrahim, nothing is guaranteed as we speak..Liverpool, man city and man united have better squads and be will be going for it…I will be pleased with position 4..However, if we add a better centre back ( I don’t rate Sokratis) and a good winger maybe we can have a chance at top 3
Thanks Dan for showing the kind of support our player needs.
This is sport and we need to understand all the points you have provided.
We need to unite behind Ozil and our special club.
COYG
Never mind all the criticism Ozil has received in the past. We must remember the good.
Remember we never won a trophy in 9 years until Ozil came in his first season and won us silverware. He also chose to come to us, he could have went anywhere else. We have to appreciate each unique person. He is unique, there’s no player similar to him in our club. WE ARE THE ARSENAL