Mesut Ozil has been warned by Arsenal boss Unai Emery he must help team-mates to defend as he calls for commitment from all of his players.
Arsenal is set to face Chelsea on Saturday on the back of a 0-2 defeat to Manchester City in the league opener which marked the first game for Emery in charge. The Spaniard replaced Arsene Wenger in May and is attempting to introduce his own style and philosophy after more than two decades under the former manager. Emery who is believed to be more defensive minded than Arsene Wenger has introduced a new philosophy of playing out from the back, encouraging his players to press across the pitch, demanding more from his forwards as he looks to defend from the front.
Ozil has come in for criticism for a drop in an effort at times but, under Emery’s new system, Arsenal’s highest-paid player will be expected to muck in. The former Real Madrid man endured a tough summer, culminating in his acrimonious retirement from international duty with Germany following a disappointing World Cup.
“Every player needs to (defend) in the true moment of a match. There are defensive moments and attacking moments. Every player each needs this commitment. For me, we need to start together, whether we are attacking or defending. I want that from every player,” said Emery when asked about the defensive duties placed on Ozil in the City game.
“The position, he (Ozil) is playing all his career like a number 10-player, like a right-winger going inside to receive the ball. It’s clear he needs the ball more to give more options in the attacking moments. He needs to do (it) in each match, be demanding for us but defensive moments are for each and every player,” he added.
The former Paris Saint Germain boss stuck with a tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation against City but has hinted the system, as well as the personnel, could change until he finds the right formula.
