Unai Emery and Mesut Ozil's Relationship Takes Positive Turn

Unai Emery and Mesut Ozil Positive About Relationship

Emery Downplays Previous Comments

The head coach pulled no punches when he told the media that Ozil wasn’t playing because others deserved to more. Ahead of the first match following the international break, Emery downplayed those previous comments and added some context:

“When I said that, it’s because at that moment maybe physically, maybe also with more rhythm, it depends on each match what we need. Other players were in front of him at this moment.

“Now, I am telling you I am feeling better with him every day in training and he is another possibility in the squad now to play and to help us.”

With the club facing fixture congestion in the coming weeks, this breakthrough in the coach’s attitude toward the player suggests Ozil will be involved in some capacity.

Ozil Determined to Stay

Meanwhile, the player told the Athletic he feels no ill will toward the coach:

“All I know is what has already been said. It’s disappointing, of course, but as a professional footballer, I have to respect the decision of the coach. This should not be about me or the coach, only the club.”

So, it appears that Unai Emery and Mesut Ozil are heading towards a much more friendly relationship.

The former German international also took the time to address his future at Arsenal:

“When I signed the new deal, I thought about it very carefully and said it was one of the most important decisions of my footballing career. I didn’t want to stay for just one or two more years, I wanted to commit my future to Arsenal and the club wanted me to do the same.

“You can go through difficult times, like this, but that is no reason to run away and I’m not going to. I’m here until at least 2021.”