Mikel Arteta has defended his decision to leave Mesut Ozil out of Arsenal’s Premier League squad, hitting back at claims by the player’s agent, Dr Eric Sogt, that he has not been ‘honest’ with the German.
Ozil has been exiled to Arsenal in a decision that some claim is over sporting reasons, although Arteta has continued to state that his ongoing ouster is purely down to tactics and form.
Ok then let’s go gunners let’s go!!! ?❤️?? #UEL #COYG #YaGunnersYa #M1Ö @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/aNIDFewHyy
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) October 22, 2020
Ozil’s agent, Dr Sougat, has since criticized the Spaniard for his treatment of his client, claiming he is withholding the truth about his reasons for not playing him. But Arteta has responded with sincerity, insisting that honesty is at the forefront of his management.
“If you have to lead, they have to trust you,” Arteta insisted, via The Sun . “For them to trust you, you have to be honest. You have to be clear and you have to be able to tell people. Face to face, good news and bad news.
“Then you have to stick to what you say, what you demand and what you implement. When things happen, you appreciate them and then when they don’t, there are consequences. Then you have a culture. Create and hold people accountable within that culture.
“People have to step up and they have to demand the same standards from this football club to be successful.”
Ozil has not played for Arsenal for 230 days / IAN KINGTON/Getty Images
Ozil himself has reacted to the decision to leave him out of both the Europa League and Premier League squads with a strongly worded statement released on social media, with Arteta admitting he still needs to get his players right. Learning to understand the method – although this is a special case. seems to end.
“I’ve spent a lot of time trying to understand the players,” he added. How they are feeling, their background, their culture, how they get some reactions and some comments. It’s not about what you say, it’s about the impression. And how they perceive your messages.
“They all have different backgrounds and languages, as well as problems, so they may not understand exactly what you’re saying. It’s difficult and the best thing is to ask questions and get their feedback. Get it and then go from there.
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