Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery has explained that he did not play Mesut Ozil regularly at because he is not physical enough for the Premier League.
Emery was sacked as Arsenal manager at the end of November after a run of seven matches without a victory in all competitions.
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Ozil only appeared in seven games for the Gunners this season before Emery’s dismissal – with only four of them coming in the Premier League.
Emery came under heavy criticism for constantly leaving Ozil out while the side was struggling, but Ozil has revealed the reasons behind his decision.
“He’s a very good player, that’s clear. But the physical demands in the Premier League are high,” Emery told Marca
“His performances are unpredictable. He’s a bit below the top players at the moment.
“Sometimes Arsenal play better with him but other times he doesn’t make such a difference, Emery added.
Also, Ozil recently spoke about the frustrations of not playing under Emery, and what has changed since Mikel Arteta replaced him.
“I had a hard time, especially with the previous coach Unai Emery, but now everything has changed, and I am very happy with everything,” Ozil said.
“I’m playing regularly and everything is going well.
“Arteta, as I said in my previous interviews, it was surprising to many people that he adopted the club in such a short time.
“He’s doing a good job. He’s hungry for success. Everything about him is positive.”
Ozil added in his comparison between Arteta and Emery:”Arteta’s story is a bit different because I don’t remember when he quit football, but it hasn’t been over that long. In this way, players can understand more easily.”
Emery took Arsenal to the final of the UEFA Europa League last season.
