Ozil Hits Back At Euro 2016 Critics

Ozil Hits Back At Euro 2016 Critics

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has responded to widespread criticism over his ‘indifferent body language’ when playing for his national side.

Despite being unbeaten and largely touted as favourites to top their group, Germany have struggled to get their Euro campaign up and running to their usual standard. Many have pointed the finger at players not looking motivated on the pitch and lacking in team spirit.


Former German international Mehmet Scholl especially targeted Ozil for his for his body language during the game, claiming the 27-year-old showed no desire for his national side.

Ozil provided 19 Premier League assists for Arsenal last season, scoring 6 goals – winning Arsenal’s player of the year award. However, the attacking midfielder was criticised at times for his lack of effort, something that is once again the focus at the Euro’s.

However, despite all the talk, Ozil has spoken out about the criticism. The German has stated he is ignoring all the bad press surrounding him, as he is focused on doing his all for his country.

In an interview with Bild, Ozil had this to say:

“Quite honestly, I don’t care what others say.”

“There will always be people who voice their opinion, mostly it’s negative. I don’t know if they have to say it or not. When a former player or whoever wants to make headlines, it just bounces off me. Like I said, the coach’s opinion matters: Mr Low tells me the truth.”

“How much we run, how many springs, you can ask the Bundestrainer [Low], I am always in the top five. The other thing is just personal, it’s aura. We are all in our own skin. I never wanted to prove anything, neither to myself nor anyone else. It was always my goal to help the team. There’s a minority of fans and a few journalists who only measure me by how many goals I’ve scored or created.”

Many believe Ozil needs to change his style of play in order to reap the benefits of his talent more so. It’s common knowledge that the midfielder is one of the best play-makers around, however fans and pundits alike widely agree on Ozil’s lack of goals being a big disappointment to his game. Arsene Wenger himself has previously been known to urge Ozil to shoot more and attempt to improve his goalscoring. However, Ozil seems content on his current style of play.

“I will never [change my game], and I don’t have to.” Ozil said. “I’ve been very successful with it over the years, no matter where in this world I have played.”

“Some say that I have to be more egoistic. But I am just the guy who passes the ball when’s someone’s in a better position.”

[Quotes sourced from Evening Standard]