Per Mertesacker Opens Up About On-Field Clash With Mesut Ozil

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has given an insightful interview to the Guardian newspaper today and among the many things he’s been speaking about, he opened up about his on-field clash with Mesut Ozil.

The giant German was seen to engage in a furious row with his compatriot after the final whistle following our 6-3 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad back in December (picture below).

It caused quite the stir on social media networks with fans speculating over what the German international’s were arguing about in such a public manner.

It turns out Per took exception to Mesut heading straight for the tunnel after the game was over without acknowledging the away fans, and the 29-year-old has now explained that he feels the players need to stick together no matter the result.

Mertesacker told the Guardian that they were both angry following the defeat but thinks it’s better for players to get it out their system so they can put it quickly behind them and move on.

“We have to present ourselves as a unit, no matter what happens, that is what Arsenal stands for.”

“He was just angry, so was I and, sometimes, it’s good to argue, to let your feelings out. It’s nearly disappeared in football life because when something happens, players keep it inside and they are pissed over the next three weeks. That’s not what I want to see with anybody. There can be a little battle but, afterwards, shake hands and forget about it. That is a culture I like.”

It’s great to hear Mertesacker talk so openly about this and his attitude is spot on. He was right to pull Ozil up for not applauding the Arsenal supporters, but in fairness you can understand why some players just want to get off the pitch as soon as possible after a disappointing defeat.

Mertesacker has been outstanding this season and his leadership skills have vastly improved us over the last 18 months. I think it’s time Arsene Wenger made him captain, don’t you?

It's been a bad day for Arsenal and Mertesacker clashed with Ozil after the final whistle http://t.co/M3DeeEb0sh pic.twitter.com/Rdk69ktFu5

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) December 14, 2013