And so we enter the dreaded international break. It is always a tough one for the Arsenal fan. Sure, we can see how our players are doing for their respective countries, but let’s be honest, we are praying that they don’t get injured because the only thing that really matters is the Arsenal. One player who has no such worries is our own Mesut Ozil. It is safe to say it wasn’t the best of summers for him, a horrible World Cup campaign, which culminated in him retiring from the national team due to racism he received from the DFB. Germany’s loss is our gain and this international break will be an interesting time for Mesut Ozil.
It will feel very bitter sweet for him. This is a man who’s been integral to the German set up for the best part of the last decade and has won the German player of the year award more times than I can remember. You don’t just forget that overnight. While I’m sure he’s at peace with his decision, it would have been a difficult one and a part of him wishes he could play for Germany again but for the abuse.
Once he takes some time to reflect and really let it sink in that he won’t put on the Germany shirt at this international break he can really work with Emery on a personal level in these two weeks, with less team mates around to distract him and make his full focus on Arsenal. Emery has mentioned many times that Ozil is integral to his plans. Tactical discussion has surely happened already, but with a new manager and a new era at the club, every minute he can spend with our star player is a minute closer to us finally gelling as a team and playing the style Emery wants.
It is not to say he wasn’t focussed for us, but one of the things we’ve noticed with him and our players in general is that they aren’t always sharp and tend to burn out. How many years have we had the post February collapse after starting the season so well? This is something Wenger managed poorly. Ozil himself has been vocal about having a winter break due to the gruelling schedule that is the Premier League. While he won’t get his wish for this during this season, by retiring from Germany he has given himself more breaks throughout the season.
This is important because there’s been many injury concerns for Ozil in recent times. There was that back complaint late last season and we found out later that he played with it in the Europa League semi final. He almost didn’t start the World Cup as a result. Then there’s been a various sicknesses throughout the last 18 months. Given his desire for a break in the season, and the problems he has, we can only hope that these international breaks he is now going to get throughout the season will help him rest and recuperate, and reduce the chance of burnout and sicknesses throughout the season.
This can only be good for us and Ozil’s as he looks to add a major trophy to his club career.
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