Ozil takes swipe at Emery as he applauds Arteta
Mesut Ozil has taken aim at former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, suggesting the club had strayed from their key values under his leadership.
The German midfielder fell out of favour under Emery during his 18 months in charge at the Emirates, starting just 20 league games last season.
Under new manager Mikel Arteta, the 31-year-old has started every game, with the former Manchester City assistant tasting defeat just once in his opening five fixtures.
Asked about the differences a regime change has brought about, Ozil did not hesitate in stating the positive change in mood now that Emery has been moved on.
‘It is basically getting us back to the old Arsenal virtues,’ he said, according to the Sun.
‘Fighting and having possession, being in control of the game, having the ball all the time.
‘These are the things that he is working on with us and you can see it — everyone is smiling, laughing, enjoying their time — it has made us successful.
‘I think he is the right man at this club.’
Arteta, who ended his playing career at Arsenal in 2016, had spent the subsequent three years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
And Ozil believes his experiences will serve the club well as he begins his managerial career.
'It is basically getting us back to the old virtues'
Mesut Ozil takes swipe at Unai Emery and his methods as he praises Mikel Arteta's effect at Arsenal#AFChttps://t.co/WkDXo3ySPn
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) January 15, 2020
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‘He can show us everything he has learnt in his long career. He knows exactly what we need,’ said Ozil.
‘He knows what to say to us, how to give us a positive attitude and how to make us successful.
‘I can see he is really hungry but at the same time he is also very down to earth.’