Arsenal talisman ‘thankful’ for Arsene Wenger’s coaching influence

Arsenal talisman Mesut Ozil is ‘thankful’ for Arsene Wenger’s coaching influence and would also ‘love’ to witness the esteemed Frenchman return to the dugout as a club manager.

Wenger acquired Ozil from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013 as the Gunners’ marquee signing and the German playmaker, under ‘Le Prof’s’ calculative command, helped the north-Londoners claim three FA Cups.

Before the start of the 2018-19 campaign, Wenger stepped down from his position at Arsenal’s helm after 22 years of glittering service. Unai Emery has galvanised the 30-year-old since succeeding Wenger in May, although Ozil is ultimately privileged to have been coached and ‘protected’ by the revered tactician.

Taking part in a Q&A session on Twitter, Ozil expressed his admiration of his former boss, whilst expressing his desire to see the 68-year-old patrol the technical area once more.

“He always protected and supported me the best way he could. I’m very thankful he was my coach. Would love to see him as a club manager again.” He said.

He always protected and supported me the best way he could. I'm very thankful he was my coach. Would love to see him as a club manager again. https://t.co/Yfe886Y9Ki

— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) October 24, 2018

Ozil was integral to Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Leicester City in their previous Premier League meeting. The FC Schalke 04 youth product captained his employers against the Foxes and also netted a goal alongside a solitary assist.

Having retired from international football due to controversial issues, it’s argued that Ozil’s positive club form could be down to the fact that he can now invest his time, concentration and effort solely into domestic matters, without being distracted by international breaks.

The productive craftsman was slammed with a barrage of criticisms from the German media for his relationship with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. German FA representatives also scrutinised Ozil’s decision to publicly fraternise with Erdogan, although Arsenal’s newly-instated skipper insists that he is still, remarkably, a supporter of Die Mannschaft.

“I’ve always been supporting the DFB Team since my childhood and I’ve still many friends playing for the German National Team,” he said (via Sky Sports). “Of course I’m still supporting the team!”