Determined Mesut Ozil is 'doing extra training sessions' in bid to save Arsenal career, claims Kolasinac

Posted Saturday, November 02, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk

Determined Mesut Ozil is 'doing extra training sessions' in bid to save Arsenal career, claims Kolasinac
A strong outing versus Liverpool brought Ozil back into the limelight Credit: Getty - Contributor

SEAD KOLASINAC has spoken of how best pal and Arsenal teammate Mesut Ozil is training harder than ever to save his career.

Gunners boss Unai Emery has not been alone in criticising the German's work ethic and he is apparently out to set the record straight.

Kolasinac, who was involved in a knife gang attack along with Ozil on the eve of the season, believes his teammate is refusing to sulk while undertaking double sessions in training.

Speaking to Premier League official media, he noted: "Mesut is a really driven player.

"He is a bit unhappy at the minute but you would never see that in his training.

"He is doing everything he can. He is doing extra sessions to make sure he is at the level he needs to be.”

Ozil made only his third appearance of the season against Liverpool in midweek and starred as Arsenal raced into a lead they would eventually fumble.

Many fans were unhappy that Emery took the playmaker off after just an hour but it could have been a case of keeping him fresh for the weekend clash with Wolves.

The manager has previously criticised Ozil for not keeping fit, stating in February: "He needs to be available consistently for training."

Likewise, academy director and club veteran Per Mertesacker has discussed how his countryman perhaps doesn't meet the "certain fitness level" Emery requires.

And head of football Raul Sanllehi was once quoted as saying: "Unai's policy has always been to play the ones that work hard in training."

That suggests Ozil has not been convincing on the training ground as of yet - but his in-match form could force Emery's hand.

For Kolasinac, the midfielder has "special qualities" to excite the fans at a key moment in the club's season and his career.

He added: "Mesut is Mesut. He has got a lot of special qualities.

"For example, the opposing team might put two players on him rather than one — which creates a lot of space for others. That makes a real difference on the pitch and in the game.

"Everyone knows the quality he has, we have seen it. He is one of the top players in Europe and I think he can achieve a lot and really help the team further when he’s back."