Arsenal's Unai Emery: Decision to drop Mesut Ozil backed by club

Posted Monday, October 28, 2019 by ESPN

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has said the club has supported him in his decision to drop midfielder Mesut Ozil.

Ozil has been absent from Arsenal's last five matchday squads, but recently said he wants to stay at the club until at least 2021.

"Here, we have one agreed strategy as a club and as a team, because the most important thing is the club, the team and finding a performance," Emery said.

"Previously we were all speaking between us to take that decision.

"I know all the supporters want to know something, but now is not the moment. I think it is not the moment to speak about him.

"We are going to play on Sunday and in the next matches and we are going to decide, and when we can speak about him something differently we will look."

Ozil was linked to MLS side D.C. United this summer despite his desire for game time at Arsenal.

Emery also explained his decision to deploy the defensive-minded Lucas Torreira in a more attacking position -- one in which Ozil prefers to play -- at times this season.

"I was speaking with him about his best position to help us in our shape," Emery said.

"It depends on the shape. Last season his best position was playing as a deep midfield two alongside [Granit] Xhaka or Matteo [Guendouzi].

"This year we are playing also sometimes with just one, and he can achieve with his quality to get to the box and get closer to score, and is very intelligent about getting space around the box and taking chances.

"Then also, when we prepare the team to do high pressing, for us he is very important, because he is very intelligent tactically, but he can play in the two positions."