OZIL AND EMERY must recognise that compromise is what’s best for Arsenal
Arsenal are currently preparing to try and overturn a 1-0 deficit to BATE Borisov in the second leg of their Europa League tie. It should be relatively straightforward—but then that’s precisely how the first leg ought to have been. In reality, an uninspired Arsenal side are likely to come up against a defence that packed deep and tight, granting them territory but denying them space. Arsenal need someone with the vision to pick a pass and the technique to thread it through the eye of a needle. Arsenal someone, quite frankly, like Mesut Ozil.
Ozil wasn’t in Borisov, with head coach Unai Emery citing his recent return to training after an illness. That’s as may be, but in truth, Ozil has been largely excluded from first-team duties for much of the season.
It’s a curious story—one that starts with Ozil returning to north London after a nightmarish World Cup welcomed back into the bosom of his club and with Emery speaking publicly of Arsenal as Ozil’s “family”. He was named as one of the new coach’s five captains and appeared set for a major role in the team.
Here's our travelling squad for @FCBATE pic.twitter.com/gsthwX3qNA
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) February 13, 2019
Somewhere along the way, things have soured. There has been talk of training ground bust-ups and Ozil reporting unfit for duty, but with no real clarity provided by either club or player, it’s difficult to decipher precisely where things took a turn. The likelihood is that the issue between Ozil and Emery does not stem from one incendiary incident, but a gradual realisation of incompatibility—both tactical and personal. Despite the player’s enormous talent, one can only assume he is either unwilling or unable to follow Emery’s instructions.
The situation is exacerbated by Ozil’s huge pay-packet. Prior to leaving the club in the summer, Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis signed off on a record-breaking £350,000 per week wage. A good chunk of Arsenal’s salary budget is currently allocated to the German, and if he is not part of the long-term plans then the sooner they can reallocate that resource the better. That is presumably a significant factor in Ozil’s exclusion. Emery (and by extension Arsenal) are making it clear to the player that if he wants to play regularly, he needs to leave.
Ultimately, like so much in football, this is about money and status. Arsenal want to save some money; Ozil is unwilling to forego what he is rightfully owed. Arsenal are attempting to show the player who’s boss; Ozil is prepared to dig his heels in.
While the player has not publicly complained about the situation, he and his representatives remain very skilled users of social media. Ozil’s tweet this week
'When you start supporting a football club, you don't support it because of the trophies, or a player, or history, you support it because you found yourself somewhere there; found a place where you belong.' || #DennisBergkamp pic.twitter.com/kKM8kDhm8T
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) February 15, 2019
alluding to his love for the club and invoking Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, was (in this writer’s opinion) a fairly cynical move in what is becoming a “cold war” between player and coach. Ozil’s camp recognised that Emery would be under pressure to reintroduce him after the BATE defeat, and have subsequently rallied support and turned up the heat.
It’s a situation that is deeply unhealthy for Arsenal—and with the European transfer window now closed and Ozil presumably unwilling to consider a move elsewhere, it’s could extend for another few months yet.
At this stage, a full reconciliation appears unlikely. However, Emery and Ozil must surely recognise that the best thing for all parties would be a compromise: Ozil figuratively consents to play ball, then he gets to actually play ball.
It’s worth remembering that, for the most part, when Ozil has been called upon to play for Emery he has disappointed. There was one magical performance against Leicester City, but that match aside he has really justified his selection, let alone his salary. If Emery puts pragmatism above pride and selects him, Ozil must repay that faith with performances of the standard expected of him.
Most realistic fans accept that Ozil and Emery are unlikely to co-exist in the long-term. However, this sort of mutual accommodation could be invaluable between now and the end of the season. With the Europa League and Premier League campaigns ongoing, Arsenal have big targets ahead—and they stand a better chance of meeting them with Ozil in their ranks.
