Unai Emery gives a lifeline to Mesut Ozil
It is clear that Unai Emery has an issue with Mesut Ozil and it was thought the German’s future at Arsenal was bleak. However, manager Emery has publicly stated that there is still a role for the 30-year-old to play.
There have been rumours of a loan deal in January but Ozil has dismissed them out of hand, He has made it clear he is seeing his contract out and will not be leaving in the winter.
Now, Emery has come out with an olive branch and given the German hope of inclusion in the team going forward.
Discussing Ozil and whether he has previously been made a scapegoat for past failings Emery said,
“We live in the present.
“In this present we are looking for the best way to be competitive and to be a strong team, playing each match with our best quality of available skills and our best mentality.
“Mesut Ozil, for us, is important. Sometimes one player could be important playing or could be important being on the bench or could be important preparing for the next match. This is our mentality and this is the way we want to create with 25 players in the squad.
“I told you now for the last three weeks Mesut is working and improving and being better in training and if we need him, we are going use him because with his skills in some matches we are going to need him.”
Not sure that Emery could be any clearer. He says that Ozil is important, that he can make a difference and if needed will be used.
It is now down to Ozil to respond positively, Emery will give him another chance as long as the German plays ball.