Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil agonizes on the thought that he is being overlooked by Arsenal manager Unai Emery. He is the club's biggest earner yet lacks exposure on the pitch lately. Still, Ozil, who gained prominence while in Real Madrid, believes he deserves a spot on the Gunner's first-team.
In the past season, Ozil saw the beginning of his decreasing playtime with Arsenal. Since the entry of Emery, the North London club started looking beyond the German midfielder, according to Metro.
"Ozil was regularly left out of the team last season for tactical reasons, particularly away from home and against elite-level opposition," the report said.
The bypassing only continued in the current season as Ozil only appeared in two games so far. It appeared that the Gunner's chief had excluded the German from his game plan.
The Spanish even suggested in an earlier interview that others in the Arsenal roster are more deserving to play, which should explain why Ozil spends more time now as a spectator instead of making things happen and contributing on the pitch.
Ozil can still win back his old spot, but Emery has made clear the playmaker needs to train harder and prove he truly is part of the Arsenal first-team.
And the German believes he indeed is first-team material. Since figuring in a carjacking incident and getting sick, Ozil insisted things are getting better for him, physically and mentally.
"I've been fully available, and when the coach has selected me, I've been ready, played, and always tried to give my best," Goal.com reported the playmaker as saying.
He added that he's been working extra hard and never for a minute doubted his capabilities.
"I've trained at the same level my whole career, but because I've not had minutes recently, I'm doing extra work with the fitness coach and in the gym to get even fitter than normal. I know what is needed and believe in myself," Ozil said.
However, it might be a little hard for Ozil to earn the trust of Emery with the advent of Arsenal academy graduates. The Daily Star said the German might just end up mostly observing and cheering for the Gunners.
Ozil said he is not entertaining the thought of being reduced to a mere onlooker on Emery's watch.
"I don't think that will happen [that he won't start again under Emery]. I will play. I believe in myself to do what he asks of me, and I want to help the club to reach our goals," Ozil said.
He continued that while he and Emery don't always "see eye-to-eye," he is a professional and respect the call made by the club manager.
