Arsenal are busy preparing for the new Premier League season but a number of their players are facing a late return from the World Cup, although some returned sooner than expected.
Mesut Ozil’s defending world champions Germany suffered an agonisingly group stage exit as they looked to defend their crown in Russia, with the former Real Madrid man attracting widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Ozil’s father has accused Germany of making his son the scapegoat for the tournament and has even suggested he should retire from international duty, although it remains to be seen whether the 29-year-old will take that advice.
Amidst it all, new Arsenal manager Unai Emery has provided support for the Gunners new number 10 in comments posted by The Guardian.
“We are here to help every player. For us Mesut is a very important player. We want to help to be well, fine with us.”
“The national team didn’t get the results they want but today he is on holiday, and I want him to relax well and I want, when he comes back with us, to start with a good mentality. I want to work with him with a new way and with an ambition to continue with this quality and to help him to get better with the team.”
“Last year was a difficult year for all the team, not only for Mesut. They finished sixth in the Premier League – not the position we want.”
“Now it’s a new way. With all the players I want to give them confidence, to give them a chance every day in their work. With quality work it is very easy to arrive at the performance, individual and collective. Mesut is on holiday and I want him to be tranquil and calm.”
“We want the international players to come back quickly and start practising hard with us. But it is also important for them to have holidays because the season is very, very hard and very, very long. They need holidays to come full of energy for the start and to give us this quality and this energy in the team.”
