Unai Emery told he’s facing Mesut Ozil conundrum at Arsenal
Alan Smith says Unai Emery must get the best out of Mesut Ozil at Arsenal this season
Unai Emery faces a battle to get the best out of Mesut Ozil at Arsenal this season.
Ozil has regularly come in for criticism for his performances for Arsenal in recent years after failing to produce consistent displays for the north London side.
The playmaker will now be hoping to hit top form for the Gunners under new boss Emery after he signed a new contract with the Gunners to commit his future to the club back in February.
Emery has been tasked with getting the best out of Ozil and his Arsenal team-mates as the Spanish manager looks to make a positive impact after having taken over from Arsene Wenger back in May.
And former Gunners star Smith admits that this could be a make or break season for Ozil as he gets used to life under his new manager.
Speaking in an interview quoted by Metro, Smith said: “For me, this is a relationship that could go one of two ways – whether Ozil responds to Emery or whether he doesn’t.
“There have been times in recent years when Ozil seems to have switched off and lost the ball, and the team have lost the ball and the team have suffered.
“It’s going to be fascinating how Emery deals with that. Ozil is a player who signed for fortunes and he is expected to play.
“That is going to be one of the most interesting things to watch. How is Ozil going to fit in with the new regime?
“He has had a turbulent summer with all that went on, then the World Cup, which was a disaster for Germany.
“He needs to settle down now. I’m sure he will be desperate to do well. And Arsenal need him. He is one of the key creative players. On his day, there are not many like him in the Premier League.
“Emery has to get hold of Ozil, try to get the best out of him, get him on board.”
Arsenal will be aiming to be in contention for a top four finish in the Premier League this season.
The north London side have not won the Premier League title since 2004 and they finished sixth and without a trophy last term.
