Arsenal’s head of football Raul Sanllehi launches attack on Ozil as he claims Emery only picks players who ‘work hard’
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ARSENAL chief Raul Sanllehi has slammed Mesut Ozil's work ethic, claiming he must train harder to win over Unai Emery.
The German playmaker, 30, has made just two appearances all season after tumbling down the Emirates pecking order.
The like of Dani Ceballos, Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock have all been preferred so far.
And Ozil found himself axed altogether from the last three match day squads.
Reports claim that Emery is actively looking to offload the £350,000-a-week midfielder.
And Ozil himself believes he has played his last game after entering his seventh season at the club.
It’s reckoned he is now in talks over a loan move to Turkish side Fenerbahce.
But Emery is yet to reveal why Ozil has fallen so far from grace.
However, Arsenal director of football Sanllehi appears to have given the game away.
The Spaniard apparently said during an Arsenal fans forum that Emery has always found room for players who give their all in training.
And it hints that Ozil needs to work harder behind the scenes in order to earn his place on the field.
Sanllehi said: “Unai’s policy has always been to play the ones that work hard in training.”
However, fans aren’t happy with the excuse after criticising Emery’s recent line-ups for a lack of flair and creativity.
One said on Twitter: “Let’s shaft the team’s creativity to prove a point and show who the man is. That’s really in the best interests of the team isn’t it?
“World class but lazy Ozil benched and ‘great trainer’ but a complete liability on the pitch Xhaka captain and starter. What fantastic management.
“Good managers have to swallow their egos and adapt to the situation. The rules can be bent if it’s for the great good.
“Some of the best players in history have been absolute shocking trainers. As long as they do it on the pitch that’s what ultimately matters. Saddening.
“We currently don’t have anyone close to his standard. He’s still created the most chances in the league under Emery and he had a goal or assist every 1.8 games throughout Wenger’s tenure.
“We are extremely lucky to be in 3rd considering the underlying stats and our rivals’ collapse.”
Another wrote: “Ridiculous to say the least. Meaning all Xhaka had to do was run the width of the training ground all day while delivering sub par on match days and still be rewarded with arm band.”
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One noted: “It hurts to watch this current Arsenal team. Lacks creativity and style. The club philosophy can not change back to boring Arsenal.”
Another claimed: “Vieira was always the worst trainer and didn’t care for practice, but every game he played he showed up like a warrior. Such an idiotic policy.”
One added: “Xhaka must be knackered after training, no player can work as hard as him based on this.”
