Unai Emery's approach on Mesut Özil's season has revealed another side of the Spanish boss, especially when it comes to how he's handled his relationship with the German ace.
Being a bit cash-restrained, Arsenal fans and a number of experts believed that Özil's departure from the Emirates was close, especially when Unai Emery decided to leave him out of the squad for crucial games. Nevertheless, the coach explained his approach on this matter in an interview with Sky Sports.
According to Emery, Özil will not have his spot in the team's lineup served on a silver platter, since he believes that the German needs a little push to excel.
"At certain times, you have to provoke friction with footballers. From that friction, you can get something more out of them, something from inside, a greater sense of ambition or maybe even a complaint – a complaint regarding the team can be positive," Emery said in the interview.
The player has been involved in a number of controversies away from the pitch, with a special mention to the issue that forced him to resign from the German National Team. Özil has played 16 matches for Arsenal in the ongoing season, with four goals to his name.
Emery admitted that some of his former players may not agree with his motivational tactics, but he knows that in the end, only those that are willing to give their best will be the ones to appreciate his efforts.
"As a manager, you have to be careful because that friction can break a relationship. But I believe in always looking for more, both individually and collectively, with conversations which are comfortable but also with conversations which are less comfortable," Emery added.
Özil is expecting to play for the first time since December 26, 2018. While Emery has been coy about the German's chances of playing, fans will surely appreciate it if Özil is included in the 18-man list that will face Chelsea next Saturday. If he gets snubbed one more time, transfer rumors will keep surrounding the 30-year-old playmaker.
