When Arsene Wenger was the Arsenal manager, he famously said on a regular basis that the team player -with the handbrake on-, whatever that means. In my opinion in means they were not playing with their heart in the game because of fear of the other team, or because they didn’t really care about the result of the game.
Now it would seem that he thinks that Mesut Ozil at the World Cup, despite having great stats, was not playing to his full potential. Wenger said: “I know Ozil well, he is a fantastic, exceptional footballer but him and Gundogan suffered from what happened before the World Cup,”
“They have been vilified in Germany. Ozil is a guy who needs support, he doesn’t need controversy.
‘When I watched him play, I could feel that there were situations in the game where he could have moved forward, progressed more vertically. But he played safely.
“I was always thinking; ‘Come on, that’s not the real Ozil I know, the guy who can kill’.
‘He did play alright, but I think he didn’t play with the complete freedom, he played a little bit with the handbrake on at this World Cup.’
To be honest Wenger makes Ozil sound like a bit of a wimp, that doesn’t want to play unless everyone adores him. In my opinion, a player, any player, that earns fortunes like he does, should be playing his heart out no matter what the external circumstances are. You are playing for your club, for your country, for everyone’s dreams. If you decide to do the opposite then you shouldn’t even be on the field as far as I’m concerned..
Darren N
The Ozil Fanboys will always keep rationalising and making tired recycled Excuses for him. But the guy is the most overrated, overhyped and one of the most one dimensional players I have ever seen in my decades of being an Arsenal fan.
Creativity is not one dimensional, not if you excel at it. Defending, creating, scoring, you can’t have scoring without creating. He’s a big part of our forward play, but if you mean forward stuff versus defensive stuff then yes he’s only capable with one of those.
Probably more “lazy” than “wimp”
Honestly, id prefer a player with slightly less quality but more consistent, who gives it his all every match.
What’s the point of having a number 10 who is brilliant once in a while
Go back to Fabrigas,
Please can you explain how a lazy player constantly covered more ground than the supposedly hardworking Sanchez. The stats are there written by the people whose job is to produce that. Except when it comes to Ozil there is a new definition for laziness.
There is a difference between jogging and actually closing down opponents. Ozil will jog from minute 1 to minute 90. He will keep the same lethargic no energy pace throughout each game. When a normal player will close down an opponent with higher intensity, Ozil will just keep jogging towards that player. When being subbed, he will keep the same jogging style. At no point does he show any urgency. I think once in a while on corners he will do a splint jog. And that’s that. Lol
dont just read stats and take them at face value. Gotta have some context to them. Yes, Ozil does cover ground but what is he actually doing? Usually making safe passes, or just simply walking. Some games I swear he’s hiding from the ball.
Is he not a specialist of failures?
Off topic:
Which other players if any do we need for our 2018/2019 season to once again be labelled as an invincible season?
Done deal!! Barca’s Joel Lopez has said his goodbye on Instagram and is finally set to sign.
I think our team will benefit massively from signing Lucas Torreira, especially Ozil, Ramsey, And Xhaka. Ozil is an exceptional player but be needs a solid defence behind him, and some suitable forwards in front of him (Like Auba) to really shine, which I think he will do now in the new set-up.
Ramsey has a great engine & explosiveness but isn’t the best defensively. Xhaka also has good attributes in midfield but isn’t a DM. With Torreira playing DM, Ramsey and/or Xhaka can be put to better use, and Ozil can look-forward to playing-in Auba/Laca for goals (Instead of waiting ages for Giroud to get there) and not worry about the defensive nightmares unfolding behind him either.
Bring on next season. Can’t wait!
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Ozil who fetches 350k per week is a waste. Overrated and overhyped too. At 350k you expect atleast a good performance but his guy indeed a criminal water of money. I wish arsenal gets rid of him
Perhaps Ozil should run around the pitch like a mad man, accomplishing nothing.
At least people could talk up his engine instead of saying he is lazy. Maybe Emery can get more from him. Nobody does it better when Ozil is on song.
Let’s give Emery the benefit of the doubt, as others have asked me to do. Hopefully Emery will play him as a 10 and not shove him to the wing. If so, he could make a run at assist record with Auba, Laca, and Mhki in front, rather than Giroud, Walcott, and Welbeck.
Nicely put
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Once again I’m on here to defend our best player.I done read too much into Wengers comments.Germany offered far too little going forward with no pace or movement up front.They seemed far to smug and over confident and were caught out by teams who refused to be intimidated by their reputation.But I refuse to blame Ozil for Germany not performing and refuse to blame him for all that was obviously wrong at Arsenal during most of the past few seasons.
Ozil is a very very talented footballer.He is a gifted playmaker and the one player that can open up games for us.His inconsistency is frustrating and well documented but I refuse to blame the player alone.No two players are the same.Some need the arm around the shoulder and some require the rocket up the arse.Ozil would never in a million years have lasted two seconds playing in a George Graham team but seemed to thrive at Real Madrid and Germany with players who brought the best out of him.
He is an enigma and his workrate and body language is never going to please supporters who prefer the Flamini “if it moves-kick him” type.But I’m convinced with a new Manager who seems determined to shore and tighten us up defensively and will demand a high press and commitment from the midfield and strikers Ozil will win over his detractors.
Ozil is indeed gifted and with the players he’s going to have around him this will become apparent in the upcoming season. Just hope Emery gets him to work on his shooting and, more importantly, gives him the will to shoot. Too often in the past he’s not taken that responsibility and instead passed the ball to a player who is well marked instead of shooting. That’s my only problem with Ozil. I also don’t want him wasting energy tracking back etc. as it looks as though we are going to have decent players behind him for a change.
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Given the fact that Ozil divides such opinion amongst fans, journalists, and ex-pros, surely proves he isn’t WC doesn’t it? In most cases with so called WC players, opinions are universally positive, but not with Ozil. I have never known a star player at Arsenal, to be vilified, and praised in almost equal measure, like with Ozil. Could you imagine having the same Ozil type debates about the likes of Bergkamp, Seaman, Adams, Pires, etc? It’s almost unthinkable!
If you ask most Arsenal fans, it’s probably evenly split down the middle whether they want Ozil or not. Personally, it would be interesting to see what Emery could do with him, but then again, I wouldn’t be that bothered if he left. And I think even the most ardent of Ozil fans would have to admit that he’s definitely not worthy of his current wage. Obviously not Ozil’s fault he’s earning that much, but his wages are not reflective of his performances, especially in big games.
At times I do feel sorry for him, but I always feel a sense of entitlement with Ozil, and that doesn’t sit well with me. How often have we seen him fall to the ground from a light challenge, then turn to the ref, flinging his arms up in the air, constantly demanding a free-kick! Just for once, why not get straight up and try and win the ball back, like Sanchez would do! Does Ozil expect the opposition to not tackle him?
I find it very hard to like Ozil at times.
ThirdmanJW, interesting point regarding the world class point, haven’t thought about it in that way.
Your point on salary is a red herring though, is ANY player throughout the world of FIFA worth the ridiculous salaries being dolled out?
I agree with your assessment of his theatrics, but don’t you think he is sometimes targeted by opponents and gets little protection from our inept officials?
TMJW-I am definitely Pro Ozil But even to me your comments make absolute sense and are very difficult to argue with.I love Footballers.By that I mean players that can do the sublime and make the game look so easy.Freddie Ljunberg was an outstanding footballer but to me I would prefer Robert Pires.The Frenchman was a simply amazing footballer who really did have everything.I believe Mesut Ozil is similar to Pires in terms of quality but there is no doubt the Arsenal Team of now are nowhere near the class of the years Pires was at the Club.Would Ozil have made it in those teams? Absolutely he would.That is how good he is.
I am convinced we will start seeing Mesut Ozil deliver.This coming season he will have a pair of quick and mobile strikers and a midfield with defensive cover.He will have a defence drilled to defend and a Manager out to prove his worth.Arsenal need Ozil this season and I believe the player needs the Club just as much.The criticism and doubts from supporters are so well documented that he will be aware of all that is said and written.The ridiculous abuse and blame he has received front Germany’s poor World Cup will also have been hurtful to him.We need a strong reaction from the player and a determination to prove himself.At the same time it’s important the fans do not continue blaming him for everything that goes wrong.Its got to work both ways for it to be a success and the Manager has to find a system and balance to suit the player AND the team
I will admit that the abuse he got during the World Cup was not on, although I could sort of see where it was coming from, as similar things are said for his Arsenal performances as well. This is where I feel sorry for him, because he wasn’t Germany’s worst player by a country mile. Muller was shocking for example, and Boateng seemed to have morphed into Mustafi!
As I said, it will be interesting to see what Emery can do with Ozil. It’s fair to say that Ozil worked under Wenger during his declining years, and has had to play with very average players at times. But on the flip side of that argument, Sanchez was at Arsenal at the same time, and was outstanding as a play-maker, and scorer, and Cesc worked with even worse players, yet still performed at a very high level consistently.
My take on it, is that Ozil was WC, but hasn’t been for while. Ultimately, I hope he starts performing again, because Arsenal will reap the rewards. We’ve had so much division amongst Arsenal fans because of Wenger, and I really hope it doesn’t happen again with Ozil as well now, because it is starting to bubble over slightly.
My thoughts exactly Phil.
Yup. People will always deflect and say it’s crazy to ask Ozil to defend and tackle, but that’s not what people want from him. People want some consistency and effort. Too much walking around, too many times he is not showing up in big games. This is supposed to be a world class player. Take control of a game, demand your teammates to pass you the ball because you know you are the most talented playmaker on the damn pitch. I’m not seeing this nearly enough. Where is the real Ozil? If he wants to be labeled world class he needs to show it and not live off of his Real Madrid reputation and have people declare the players around him are the problem.
To be perfectly honest, it doesn’t really matter what our ex manager thinks does it?
Durand my friend, even with your tongue in your cheek you make sense!
With our new signings, Emery WILL get the best from a player hurting from criticism both at club and country level.
He has something to prove to himself and our club.
Every team needs a conductor to orchestrate the play.
Ozil is the man who will do this, but if he doesn’t then Emery will act accordingly (in my opinion).
exactly
Ken my friend! I posted that comment with you in mind. Also the “benefit of the doubt” regarding Emery.
Would you agree Ozil as a 10 is not only better for him, but also better for the team? My opinion is he doesn’t defend as a winger should, but maximises the creativity we expect from a 10?
Personally, I think Ozil as a 10 with Auba, Laca, and Mhki in front is absolutely mouthwatering. I honestly think he’ll make a run at assist record this year. Maybe even has a chip on his shoulder, and would be nice to rub it in Germany’s face.
Anyone know anything about Sam (Greenwood?) 16 striker from Sunderland? Did he sign for Arsenal? Is the young man worth paying attention to?
Kev, holla at me!
Durand thanks for thinking of me!!!!
I see him playing in exactly the same way as you describe and it is definitely exciting.
I think Emery’s transfers to date will lessen the impact of Ozils lack of defensive duties, but I don’t want to see him defending, rather setting up the goal scoring opportunities.
Like you, don’t know about this Sunderland youngster. Sure someone out there will let us know.
I think Emery has plans and reasons I say this is he is bringing players for “in case” those available do not work. The Mexican midfielder and frenchuman from Lorient are meant to fit in as he sells Xhaha/Ramsey when the window opens. Wilshire has been kept by Wenger for sentimental reason coz football wise he was not merit those wages and length of contracts. Yes he is English and home grown but little else. Elsewhere he would have been flogged to recoup some money. For us he is a write off and now is ingratiating with WHU fans. Hm let’s wish him well.
I don’t think Wenger was implying Ozil is a wimp at all. What he meant was he was worried about making a mistake as he had already taken nearly all the abuse for the German side, when truth be told, there were far worse players in side who escaped criticism.
As for Ozils performances last season, no he didn’t have his best season, but lot of the blame lays with Wenger and his team mates.
The best analogy I can come up with is, Ozil is like the conductor of an orchestra, the players are the musicians, but their instruments were not in tune, hopefully Emery will get them tuned, and Ozil can then conduct as we know he can.
Well said Stubil
Stubill and GunnerJack, even if Ozil had a poor season by his standards in 2017/18, Arsenal had difficulties creating chances when Ozil did not play. Arsenal goal scoring improved with the arrival of Aubameyang and Lacazette’s return after his knee operation.
Ozil was naive in appearing with Erdogen, which drew comment from Angela Merkel and therefore received wide coverage in the German media. Given the strengthening of the squad in the spine, the firepower up front, the coaching, discipline and fitness regime being implemented by Emery and the need for Ozil to prove himself again and prove the doubters wrong, I am looking forward to the 2018/19 season.
If Ozil or any other player doesn’t commit to the Emery phylosophy of hard work, detemination, teamwork and mental toughness, they will not last at Arsenal.
why didn’t wenger improve his attitude when he was with him?
Wenger was himself a wimp so who better qualified than himself to speak about another wimp?
Darlingbudofarse, ouch. I rough talk Wenger sometimes; his stubbornness, arrogance, pretentiousness, and all his talking without saying a damn thing. Personally I never thought him a wimp, since he grabbed Jose’s tie and looked ready to unload a straight right.
However, our diversity of opinions only make us stronger together.
Don’t ever let a Tottenham super chicken fan (logo looks like a overly proud pretentious chicken, like Liverpool) say that, or I may finish what Wenger started!
Sorry Durand: I believe and think I am quite a strong guy but will never be the first to pull another by their tie. It’s only wimps that do that. I find people I can easily beat up even with one arm tied behind my back, come up to me with clenched fists. I always laugh them to scorn. They soon get the message and draw back. Wenger I repeat was a wimp both as an individual and as a manager who want decisive enough even in the transfer market. The man killed Arsenal in his latter years at the club. If he was still around do you think Jack Wilshere outdo have left his comfy zone? No chance. Or all the changes so far made to our first team?
Darlingbudofarse, I was only saying it seemed a bit harsh, referring to his character, however to each his own. I agree with you on managerial part; his favoritism, player stagnation or regression, same could be said about club stagnating.
I felt he was too soft on the players, rather than be more demanding and ruthless. He should have cut ties with some, rather than wasting years.
I believe Jack would still be here if Wenger was. I also believe so would Giroud, Walcott, maybe Coquein as well. Mhki (Sven choice) no difference, but ABSOLUTELY no Auba!
No way Wenger axe Giroud; it was Ivan and Sven who struck gold with Auba. (Well, I assume Sven did, and Ivan brought the wallet). I love the Auba and Laca connection, they play excellent together. Giroud and Laca looked slow and predictable together.
Lastly, please no one start with Giroud and French team. He plays well, no sh!t Sherlock, I would too. So would anyone, look who’s around you.
Ozil should never have come to Arsenal.
He should have gone to a club
serious about winning titles.
He could never achieve that under
the 4th place sustainable model required by Stan and implemented by Arsene.
Nobody at the club expected or wanted Ozil in 2013.
The fans as today wanted quality DM and CDM
The club assured fans that this surprise purchase
would persuade a slew of world class talent and the titles would come.
5 frustrating years on and neither world class talent nor titles have come to the club.
Ozil like Giroud like Ramsey like Walcott has
been the target of the fans ire and rancour.
Giroud and walcott are gone now the focus is on Rambo and Mesut.
When Coquelin and Cazorla were in harness Ozil flourished.
And his stats were remarkable. Even now his stats are impressive.
Is the 4th place sustainable model still the predominant goal at Arsenal?
I don’t know but what I do know is that the Toreirra signing is at long last a
promising attempt to address the dire need for a quality DM.
If the tougher defensive shield allows Ozil to do what he does best i:e
provide assists then with Auba up front Arsenal could be title contenders again.
Ten years of anguish may well be giving way to a bright new future for Arsenal 🙂
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Ozil is without question one of the most
divisive players on the planet and his bipolar performances on the pitch are deserving of
criticism and scrutiny by Arsenal fans.
WTS, unlike Wenger who idly sat by zipping and
unzipping as Ozil, Ramsey, Mustafi, Bellerin and
Xhaka consistently underwelmed, Emery wont
be afraid to send a message to whoever isnt
giving there all for the Badge. If the German
returns to preseason and fails to impress the
new boss I honestly could see him loaned out
or sold( unfortunately AFC will have to pay some
of his ridiculous wages )
I personally hope all this controversy surrounding
Ozil atm lights a considerable fire under his
keester and we see a repeat of his early days
@ the Emirates when the mercurial German was
often unplayable and amongst the EPL best.
Ozil, hate him or love him, is the best footballer in the Arsenal team. You don’t win German footballer of the year 5x for nothing. He played under Arsene Wenger, I believe under a new demanding and ambitious manager people will see the best of Ozil.
Jadon, also you don’t play 92 times for the German national team over 9 years, if you a not a very good footballer or are a “wimp”.
In the past 5years, which player can we (Arsenal Fans) point to as been consistently outstanding for more than two seasons?…..While you think about that, my point is the players are not entirely to blame for underperforming, Ramsey, Iwobi, Ozil, Le Coq etc all had outstanding periods but our manager at the time will always change something (play out of position etc) that will stop there progress. I will plead with y’all to please give all the player Emery decide to keep a new chance and not join haters to bring so much negatively to the positive vib returning to Arsenal FC.
why are we still talking about a manager who was dismissed by the board. he has gone, good riddance, move onwards and upwards , just like our club.
Ironic, the only reason he joined us was because he is a wimp. Madrid didnt take care of him.
Is not about the pay, Ozil isnt as complicated as u think. He’s sensitive for sure. I think he was dissapointed, for someone who had offered so much to the national team to be use as scapegoat for German failure.
Ronaldo was not happy when Real Madrid let Ozil go; but what would he know?
Who cares a jot what Wenger thinks? Not me, not now he is gone and can’t further damage us.