The Gunners boss has been working with Ozil this week, following the German international's decision to quit international football
UNAI EMERY claims he has 'very good' working relationship with Mesut Ozil – and insists the German’s focus is completely on Arsenal despite his international exile.
Gunners boss Emery has been working with Ozil in training this week following his decision to quit playing for his country.
Ozil missed last month’s 3-1 home win over West Ham with illness – there were reports of a bust-up with the club management, but Emery claimed at the time he was absent through illness.
Asked about the strength of their relationship, ahead of the trip to Newcastle on Saturday, Emery replied: “(We get on) very well.
“I have a very good relationship with Mesut and professionally I push him for improvements to give us the best in his qualities and performances.
“Also I read in the newspapers this week that in the match against Manchester City I said to the (groundsman), ‘Don’t put water on the pitch’ – it’s not true!
“This is the moment to say to you that I have a good relationship with Mesut and I didn’t say it to the groundsman not to water on the pitch, it’s not true.
“We are continuing our process with our positive things and our work.”
Ozil abruptly retired from international football in July, claiming he was the subject of “racism and disrespect” from the German FA as they crashed out of the World Cup group stage.
The 29-year-old play-maker, the club’s highest paid player, always attracts plenty of controversy and receives stick for any inconsistency in his performances.
Yet Emery believes Ozil will benefit long-term from the time off during the season, when he is not playing for his country.
The Spaniard said: “First the players have the habits to play in the international break, in important matches, defending their identity and when one player finishes that, I think it is also good for them to focus only on their team.
“The reason for Mesut is important for me also, this focus every day with us, a relaxing three days off at the weekend.
“Mesut, like other players, works very well here, I look at him and his focus is totally here.”
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis is being linked to a move to AC Milan.
But Emery says he has been kept in the dark if the South Africa-born executive is set to leave the Emirates.
Emery said: “Every conversation with me (and Ivan) is speaking about us. About our performance. About our ideas. Our process. For his future, we didn't speak.”
