Ozil Speaks Out On ‘Difficult Spell’ But Still Feels He Was Right To Join Arsenal

Mesut Ozil has spoken out for the first time about his poor recent form by saying he expected a ‘difficult spell’ because he missed pre-season and insists he has no regrets about making the move to Arsenal.

The 25-year-old was an instant hit following his big-money move from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day in the summer, and fans were rightly excited after we  signed a genuine world class talent.

However, after some excellent display’s during the first half of the season his form has dropped off since the turn of the year which has led to harsh criticism from the media with some questioning whether he’s cut out for Premier League football.

The German international’s confidence hit a new low when he missed a vital spot kick against Bayern Munich two weeks ago and he was subsequently left out against Sunderland before returning to the bench against Stoke last weekend.

However, Ozil is not concerned by his dip in form as he fully expected a ‘difficult spell’ after missing our pre-season preparations, while he points out that many players need time to adapt to life in England.

The playmaker admits he too has been disappointed by some of his displays, but has backed himself to turn things around soon. Speaking to German magazine Sport Bild, Ozil said:

“Nearly every player who is new to Premier League needs time to settle in,”

“Here, you meet other challenges. It was clear that I would endure a difficult spell because I missed all of Arsenal’s pre-season preparation.”

“There was a time when I was not satisfied with my performances either, but I have come through this phase,” he said.

“I don’t concern myself too much with [the criticism].

“Three weeks ago they wrote totally different stories and, in three weeks’ time, they’ll write different stories once again. That’s part of the business in England.”

When asked whether he still feels he made the right move leaving Madrid for Arsenal, Ozil replied:

“That was exactly the right step for my career.”

It’s obvious that Ozil’s form has dipped over the past couple of months but it’s no coincidence that his struggles have come at the turn of the year. Before moving to England, Ozil has been used to having a mid-season break so it’s no wonder he’s looked jaded in recent weeks.

The criticism aimed at him has been a little over the top and like he says, the majority of players who come here need at least a season to get used to Premier League football. Henry, Bergkamp, Pires….the list goes on. They all needed time to settle.

Ozil has enjoyed a mini-break after Wenger left him out against Sunderland and he only played 30 minutes against Stoke, so hopefully he’s feeling a little more refreshed as we gear up for a season-defining month and things will go a lot smoother if the German is back on top form.

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