Mesut Ozil says he’s eager to build on his first year in the Premier League citing a desire to improve in front of goal as a major target for the new season.
The German international scored 7 goals in 40 appearances for the Gunners last season, however, with a couple of penalty misses to his name and a reputation for being a bit shot shy he admits that it’s time to step up his game in the final third.
“There is room for improvement in all departments,” the 25-year-old told German publication Sport Bild (translated by ESPN).
“I need to have more shots at goal again, and also improve my headers. The World Cup title was a great success, but it has to go on now.”
Returning to London Colney on Monday morning alongside compatriots Per and Poldi, Ozil confirmed he’s very much looking forward to the new season underlining how much he’s enjoying life in London and how excited he is at the prospect of playing with the club’s four new signings.
“I am looking forward to my second season in England, because I can also bring in my experience from my first season.
“I feel great in England, and even more so in London and especially at Arsenal. When things don’t run that smooth at times, there is criticism. Sometimes it’s fair, and sometimes it’s unfair. But I can judge my performances very well — and I also know how the coach [Arsene Wenger] and the fans rate it.
“There at least five teams competing for the title in the Premier League. But to me personally it’s clear: I want to have maximum success in every competition I play.
“I’ve only been back with the team since Monday. But I believe that we have made good reinforcements. And I hope that those injury woes from last season do not continue.”
It’s unlikely that Ozil will be part of Arsene Wenger’s plans for a couple of weeks – he’s got several pre-season star jump sessions ahead – but Arseblog News can’t help but drool a little at the potential link-up with Santi, Jack, Aaron, Alexis, Theo and co.
We suspect you feel the same way.
That photo brings back bad memories, but I can’t wait for the German reinforcements to be fit to play. And please AW don’t sell Poldi (just read a depressing gunnerblog article on Bleacher UK).
I have to say I don’t completelty understand the Podolski love in. He’s scored some lovely goals for us and his strengths are very strong but his game isn’t well-rounded at all and he certainly hasn’t pushed on to become the player he threatened to become in 2006. He’s lost a lot of pace and his passing game and movement are clumsy. Which isn’t to say he’s a poor player, he isn’t and he can certainly contribute, but he’s the third-choice for the left wing spot after Cazorla and Sanchez (maybe even the Ox) and he’s paid 100 grand a… Read more »
Absolutely correct.
sell him next season if you must, but only to get Reus xD
I think we as Arsenal fans do miss something with Poldi – something which must really wind Arsene up as well. He’s the perfect striker utlitiy – a one-dimensional weapon. He’s just such a good one that you know you’ll want him when he’s gone. If you’re a goal or two down and it’s edging to the 70th minute, Podolski is who you want to bring on – not someone who’s all round game is terrific, and very Arsenal. As super-subs go, you need these kind of match-winners and Podolski is someone who’ll score the goals you need. In a… Read more »
Exactly what I think!! I would keep him as a Supersub!
Agreed! We need players like him who can come on and change a game, as well as being able to start games against slightly lesser opponents. Great player, and a great character to have in the dressing room too I’m sure.
I like Poldi, I can’t help feel he’s had a little bit of Arshavin treatment by being played well out of position. He thrives as one part of a 4-4-2. He’s not a left winger, he’s a clinical goalscorer. If you put Robbie Fowler on the left wing, we’d be saying the same thing. He’s also not the type of player who can be a lone frontman holding the ball up for others a la Giroud. Not that we ever will, but I’d like to see us play a 4-4-2 in some games with Polski and Giroud and I think… Read more »
I would have to agree that Podolski does not fit well with the Arsenal style of play. (e.g. he is short on pace, not great at close ball control and quick passes, maybe slow in getting back on defense) BUT his goal scoring and assist record in the latter half of last season seem to contradict the idea that he ‘doesn’t fit’. If you watch some Youtube video like “All last season’s Arsenal’s Goals in 10 minutes” then his influence seems almost as important to the ending of the season as Ramsey’s contribution to the beginning. Aaron scored 10 in… Read more »
Don’t forget that he is a character in the change room, a part of the team that helps make it a “team” were everyone fights for one another because of the friendship bond that he helps instill before, during and after a game.
It must also be noted that he’s one of the pulling factors for German players, and he was there the second Özil signed for us. I love the crazy German, and I’ve got two shirts with the number 9 and his name on it, and as much as people critisise him, he’s got quite the conversion rate when it comes to shots/goals.
My pants just got awfully tight.
Only drool ‘a little?’
I’m at 9 drools out of ten on the salivometer… Ozil’s absence during pre-season almost (almost) made me forget about him. We are going to tear some teams apart this year.
Ozil’s passes to the (now fully fit ) Oxlade C, the (soon to be fit) Wallcott, the effervescent ALEXIS and the surprise package overlapping fullback speedster Bellerin are going to fill the cumbuckets of many supporters and fans of The Arsenal this year (“”year”” = August to May)
Expecting big things from him this season. Will be full of confidence after the World Cup victory and there is no doubt he has the quality to rip Premier League defences open. Salivating at the thought of him feeding Alexis and Walcott (when fit)
Ozil’s okay, I suppose, if lethal world class assist-machines are your thing. He’s no Sanogo though.
When is Walcott expected back??
In two to three weeks…
In an unprecedented move, Shad Foarshythe’s first act was to ban the phrase ‘three weeks’ from club lexicon. Official club terminology shall henceforth be ‘two to four weeks’. Or ‘when he’s damn well good and ready’.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe it’s late September.
He’s back with the squad at the end of this month (August). Then I imagine it will be a few weeks or something before he’s back playing competitively.
This Ozil is season
Al Gore is that you?
Come on you keisers!!!!
Just wondering, say Ozil bulked up (or a similar player who is technique rather than brawn) is it detrimental to their style of play or just a bonus?
Nice question. Even someone like Neymar, would he be the same? I can draw comparisons with Dwayne Bravo in cricket, who is pretty wiry, but still hits the ball far without the need for power. He is someone who doesn’t need to bulk up.
Neymar?????? What the fuck has that got to do with football?
If John Terry is a cunt Neymar is an asshole
He’s probably referring to the fact that Neymar is a small and not very strong in particular. He thrives on his technique and not strength like, say, Giroud, who’s not the most technical player, but makes up for it in strength. So what if for example Neymar were a bit more bulky and strong and therefore more resilient to the physical side of football. Would he then be the technical and fast player he is, or would he be more of a physical player?
Totti made a concerted effort to bulk up sometime after Euro 2000..had a bit of an affect on his agility in and around the box but of course he is a master of adapting his game. But I don’t think Ozil needs bulk necessarily, just more assertiveness in his shooting. His stamina has improved immensely since joining us
yeah agree with the shooting and his stamina has certainly drastically improved
Özil is surprisingly quick, much quicker than people imagine- and in his own subtle ways he uses it very effectively for instance just after the turn from defense to attack with a player, lets say Wilshere, who’s just broken off and started a counter. Mesut’s mind is always working and he cannot afford at that moment to lose his killer weapon- his head (no not his eyes) his body has to be in tune with it- ie he cannot be expected to bulk up as he has less control over how quickly his body reacts- it takes time to adapt… Read more »
As long as they don’t take it to Akinfenwa levels, I think it helps. Makes it that little bit easier to survive against the likes of Stoke.
Look at Wilshere, he bulked up a lot since his debut season and it took quite a long time for him to get used to it (he’s looking better every game though). I don’t think Özil needs that, he’s strong enough from what I saw last season. What he lacks in front of goal, is the confidence to finish and that killing instinct in my opinion. Most of his shots look weak/slow but it is not a matter of strength as he made some powerful shots too. One other reason could be that he’s doing so much in other areas… Read more »
Think it really depends, both on what kind of strength you build and what kind of player you are. Ronaldo and Bale types look to have bulked but they must make sure it doesn’t affect their pace otherwise it’s pointless. Jack needed to bulk as does Gedion (Wenger has said as much) because their game involves their ability to hold the ball and manipulate play – a stronger and less technical player will be able to bully them off it and potentially injure them if they’re not up to it. But look at the Ox – his strength is partly… Read more »
Glad to see him determined to improve, more assists, goals and flair please.
He needs to improve in all aspects of his game
No arguments here, he’s certainly not short on talent.
It’s amazing that we’re on the eve of another PL season and Arsene still has glaring squad deficiencies that have not been taken care of.
Does he like finishing 3rd and 4th?
Rich, you need to calm down mate..go outside and meet some girls..
Thats Rich, cumming from you…
Just for your name, I gave you a thumbs up!
Ozil- “I can improve in all departments” It just sounds better when he says it, don’t you think? He certainly can and should improve but he doesn’t deserve as much criticism as he’s got. For example, he just won the World cup, played every game and created more chances than any other player. Errrrr… I wondered if that was the same player the press had been all over criticizing pretty much all season… Was sure it was when i realised most hadn’t let off on it. I’m quite sure Arsene does not like finishing 3rd and 4th as you suggest,… Read more »
7 goals in 40 appearances isn’t good enough for Ozil’s standards but he had a pretty decent campaign. His assists and chance creation stats make for much better reading. Can’t wait to see him play and spray the passes about for our speedier players.
Unrelated – Does anyone know for how many seasons Debuchy signed? Everywhere i look it says he signed a ‘long term contract’ but not details for how many years and his salary per week.
Not sure how regularly accurate it is, but Transfermarkt says until 2019, which would be 4 seasons. No word on salary.
Tummy Bananas…..
Awesome attacking potential. Just need that elusive DM & CH. Come on Arsene, do the biz
Yeah I really hope he does improve. I spend my days in work defending him . It was nice having pics of him holden the FA and World cup to stick in the clowns faces hope to get more ozil ammo this year
I know your not allowed to be negative on here, I expect we will have a decent enough season, but I just can’t for the life of me work our why Arsene hasn’t addressed key areas of our squad and given us the best possible chance at the title, ridiculous really
Rich to be frank…Your Thinking Power is NOT SO RICH!!!
At least give it until the 31st August before passing judgement…still time to get the CB/DM situation sorted and I’m confident he will.
How do you know he doesnt try? Vermaelen is injured, is our bench warmer, yet he was target by ManUre and Barca .. which judging from their respective history have no problem splashing money if need be. Thus showing that pool of available talent in said area are lacking. Buying Hummels is nice to the ears and all, but do you really expect us to spend a lot of money on fees and salary to a bench warmers? Even he might refuse to come if he is relegated to bench. On the opposite spectrum, Squillacci and Silvestre. Buying bench. Have… Read more »
The severely restricted availability is attested to by the inflated prices. Although the David Luiz fee still screams weird, Mangala, Lovren, and a Vermaelen in his late twenties were all pricey.
I guess Arsene doesn’t want to commit now to an average player. It has often seemed odd to me though that despite the economics (and immense implications of failure) of the CL playoff, we typically seem to face at least the first leg short. We have always qualified though.
It has nothing to do with negative and everything to do with being patently wrong.
Hasn’t addressed key areas of our squad? Wrong!
Now, if you said hasn’t addressed all areas of our squad which need addressing, you might get more traction. As it is, you come across as someone who just likes to have a moan.
Well, I for one thought there was a little problem with not scoring enough last year, and I also thought it was addressed a bit with Alexis, Campbell, and Sanogo’s arrivals. Also, the ‘new rb’, ‘young cb’, and ‘second keeper’ issues were solved pretty nicely I think.
Rich, the votes you’re getting reflect the fact that this has been the best Arsenal transfer window in many years and the window isn’t closed yet. Wenger has flat out stated that with TV’s departure his priority now is cover in the CB position. To me you come across as overly pessimistic and critical at a time of high hopes and spirits in and about the club. Having a go at Wenger after he proved his transfer doubters wrong thus far and led the team to a Community Shield over City (glorified friendly, I know, but important for the team… Read more »
Still king of assists though…
A One Man Chance Manufacturing Industry.
From henceforth, Ozil will be known as the OMCMI.
He needs to leather it more often like he did against Algeria.
That goal against Napoli gave me goosebumps. Especially from the angle where we can see his technique from the back.
More of the same, please. We know he’s got it.
PUT YER LACES THROUGH IT LAD
Monreal and Chambers our centre back pairing for the opening day
And you lot have your heads in the clouds.
Arsene knew Vermaelen would leave in May, and yet he’s still winging it
Will probably end up panicking and we will end up with another dud on a 4yr contract on massive wages who we can’t get rid of, who will be the excuse as to why we don’t buy a top defender next summer
Welcome to Groundhog Day as an Arsenal fan
Name one dud on a 4 year contract on massive wages who we can’t get rid of currently at the club. Frankly, against Crystal Palace with Monreal as the only player having to play out of position because Per won the word cup, Kos has a tweaked hamstring and Vermaelen gone (despite being unfit for the last 6 months and not able to play for Barca because he’s still unfit rather than having fallen over his luggage en route), not sure what more you want? You could have a Carvalho, yes – however, if the right player isn’t found you’ll… Read more »
the same centre back pairing that stopped the premier league champions from getting through us last week yeah?
hey Rich! Go back to bed and get out of the correct side. Thanks Ooh one more thing, when does the transfer window close again, Rich? Not for a good few weeks yet, isn’t it?
I like your blog, don’t get me wrong and I’ve read it for months now without posting so this is my first time. But i’m quite puzzled by the choice of this pic… If this is the only pic you’ve found to give tribute to Özil and all he’s brought to Arsenal in one year (talent, surely marketing contracts, Sanchez and other guys surely attracted by Arsenal’s new policy…), then it saddens me. Don’t forget who he is beyond not goaling enough for YOUR standards…
We didn’t have time to Photoshop him being carried through the streets of North London on a gold throne with a crown that says ‘King of Kings’ on it.
i’m sure that among all th epcios yo have with the players, youxc anfind a jouful pic of PÖzil (as you do for A
*So sorry for the typo!!!*
Between what you describe and this unfortunate penalty (saved by Neuer, the best goalkeeper of the world…), there is surely among ALL your pics of Arsenal players one joyful with Özil as you do for ALL the others…. But that confirms what i think of your way to handle Özil. Bye.
Er, we’ve been fully behind Ozil from day 1, but if you want to get upset about a picture of him missing a penalty (this really actually happened) in an article in which he himself talks about improving all aspects of his game, I don’t suppose there’s much we can do about it.
The article is about him wanting to improve in front of goal. The picture shows him missing a penalty. There is a clear logic behind the choice of image…
As for your comment: “that confirms what i think of your way to handle Özil. ”
Well, we can only assume you didn’t make it to the bottom of the article (that’s the bit with the words) where we demonstrate a quite obvious enthusiasm about Ozil’s potential contribution this season.
Rough with the smooth – missed a penalty, says he wants to improve his goalscoring – seems most apt to have a photo of the man involved in something he wants to improve.
No?
You should have made a sarcastic comment
I’ll give you one thing Rich, you’re persistent with your negativity. I imagine you to be a dour Scot, a la Dalglish. Say it ain’t so Rich? I do think we need another CB and I think he’ll go for a young gun with some experience over an old age has been bench warmer on megabucks. But there’s still two weeks to do the business. I don’t get the need for a DM yet (two seasons time) and I don’t get your doom and gloom. This could well be the best season since the Invincibles and I can’t wait to… Read more »
Before anyone jumps on this – I fully agree, this is probably the most exciting Arsenal have looked since the Invincibles squad. That doesn’t mean it’s a better or more complete squad than the Invincibles.
Bear in mind though that Pascal Cygan and Jeremie Aliadiere were Invincibles.
Hell, even David Bentley had an appearance in the league campaign!
We’ve got far fewer junk players in our team.
I’d like to sign vertoghen or whatever the cunts name is. If for no other reason but to piss he scum off….
My money is on a pre easter St Tottingham Day this year. Who’s with me (not you Rich)?
I did a little more than drool…..
Hmmm……… Y’all can keep writing articles, creating blog sites & getting excited as much you want… But i’ve got just 1 thing to say…
Without a CDM, the highest we can win is the Capital One Cup !! & finishing 4th in league is gonna be a dream !!
Didn’t we win the FA cup last season without the aforementioned CDM?
Also, in case Kentox wants a more recent event, did we not keep out the Premier League champions with Arteta playing the entire match?
Given our record in that competition vs our record with the CL, FA Cup and PL over the last few seasons – we’re more likely to win one of those than the League Cup.
And if the “CDM” you want is so crucial, perhaps it’s just not worth bothering with the whole football thing this season. Loan Ozil to Newcastle and Sanchez to West Ham so they can play with Tiote and Diame respectively. They’ve got “CDM”s…
fans seem to forget that we slipped down the league table due to injuries and a lack of fighting spirit in the big games ( vs city-pool-chelski in the return leg) and that we lost against stoke at a crucial period! a dm won’t change much if by march half of the team is injured again and in crunch games the whole team collapse again. this a post about mesut; it will be great if he improves but following the kid from his days at werder he gives his best with fast players up front. he ‘s not a natural… Read more »
If Wallcott (or the Ox) had stayed fit last season Ozil would have been MUCH more effective.
I think that this season he will have enough pace in front of him to enable him to realise his exquisite array of skills.
Up The Arsenal!
Has anyone noticed in the photo, the shadow above Ozil’s top lip makes him looks like a young Adolf Hitler!?
Extremely unfortunate, but quite true. Good job he didn’t have the armband that day.
Am fully with you @ Not since61
We have strong indications that Ozil understands himself as a world class player and phenomenon in a new world-wide marketplace. (DJs in Vegas, NBA hangouts, the Adidas shape-shifting ad) He’s not trying to be someone else or meet others expectations. He’s trying to excel at being himself. As Arsenal fans, we want that. We know he’s capable of more. We also know that despite the WC, Ozil has something to prove this year at Arsenal, in his own way. Legends make history, win titles, demand the best from themselves and their teammates. That’s what I take from this Ozil interview.… Read more »
He can’t possibly be worse than he was last season
If you want to be Realistic, he could quite easily be a lot worse. Let’s just hope he’s not.
Obviously watched quite bit of Özil in the WC, and in a way I understand some of the critisism aimed his way. He is probably one of the most subtle players I’ve ever seen, everything he does looks so effortless it often looks like he is not trying. Even his running looks like he is just above jogging speed, and you have to rub your eyes because someone was clearly running at full pelt right next to him, yet they somehow kept the same speed. Then you look at the stats, and they paint a picture of someone who made… Read more »
Ozil is a brilliant talent with a vision for the game so few possess. He is now playing the the most physical league in the game bar none. He is still adapting and will make good on his move to the Emirates ten fold. patience gooners….PATIENCE
There’s that hammer of a volley Poldi hit first time after a Giroud chip. I still drool about it.