Mesut Özil recently spoke to Arsenal Player about his relationship with his manager Arsene Wenger. With today being his two-year anniversary of his debut with the club, he was asked about how his association with the Gunners boss has developed over the course of his tenure with the north London club. With Arsenal, the German World Cup winner has won two FA Cups and two Community Shields, playing a huge part in the team on the way to winning those trophies.
Özil, like any player with a new club, had his fair share of highs and lows in the first season at Arsenal, but he has straightened out his form and he has been looking like the great playmaker that was splitting defences game in, game out for Real Madrid. He spoke about how Wenger has helped him so far.
He knows exactly how I tick and I know exactly what he thinks of me. I just want to help the team as much as possible on the pitch – that’s my target.
Wenger stuck with the midfielder through the toughest of times, such as when he missed the penalty against Bayern Munich during his first season in the UEFA Champions League. Now, that seems so long ago as he has played like one of the best, if not the best playmaker in the world. Özil talked about how that security has helped him with his play.
Of course sometimes things work better than at other times, that’s football, but the manager believes in me and that means a lot to me.
He has experience and in past years you’ve seen him develop some top players. I get on really well with him and he gives me his trust.
I’m thankful to him for that and to be praised by a coach like him means a lot. I thank him for that through good performances on the pitch.
Özil’s appreciation for Wenger started before he even joined the side, even as he was just in preliminary discussions for a move to north London.
Before I joined, I knew that Arsenal were always a technically-strong team.
That’s also why I decided to join this club, because I know exactly what the manager wants from the team.
The German appreciates Wenger’s experience, his long stay at his current club and loves the philosophy the French manager has built during his stay. He commented on the style of football the club has played for so long.
Our game centres around playing good, technical football and that’s good.
It’s thanks to the manager because he’s worked on that for years and has formulated a technically-gifted team that can dominate any opposition.
That’s why we’re really pleased to have a manager like him.
Mesut Özil is loving life in north London and that comfort should see his performances only get better. He has started this season well and has done his job of creating chances and finding teammates exceptionally well. If he keeps up this play, Arsenal will be able to look forward to a very strong season, as the German and his diving passes make his teammates better every single week.
