EPL: Arteta warned against Ozil ahead of Man Utd clash

Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, has been warned to get rid of “lazy” Mesut Ozil.

After getting the job, Arteta hailed Ozil’s ability, insisting he can be a key man for his side moving forwards.

The German playmaker has put in impressive displays since Arteta’s arrival, showing an improved work rate when out of possession.

But former Scotland international, John Collins, says that change will prove to only be a short term one.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Collins said: “There’s only so much he can do with the group of players he’s got.

“He did get Ozil working harder than he’s ever worked, but leopards never change their spots.

“That will be a short-term thing for Ozil because his natural instinct is to be lazy, it’s not to have an instant sprint back, chasing back – it’s not in his DNA.

“Technically gifted, but the reason that Arsenal haven’t been successful in the last four or five years is because he has been in the team.

“He’s a lazy player. A skilful player, but I think come the end of the season he’ll be gone out of the team and Arteta will be looking for a team out on that pitch where every single player will be working their socks off.

“He doesn’t like running, chasing. He doesn’t like the ugly side of football. He likes when the ball is passed to his feet.

“He doesn’t enjoy it. He doesn’t do it naturally. He’s not a team player without the ball.

“You see it every time he loses the ball. It’s a delayed reaction, ‘oh I better go and sprint back’. Or it’s a three-quarter sprint. It’s never a 100 percent sprint with determination.

“I’ll be very surprised if he can change him completely, from a player that likes to be lazy and walk back, to a player who sprints all over the pitch.

“Make no mistake about it, he’s just been working with Pep Guardiola who doesn’t stand for any player, no matter how much he costs, how much wages he’s on, not running and sprinting from the first minute to the last minute, they don’t get a game.

“I’m sure he’s learned from Pep, you don’t win titles and trophies with lazy players in your team.”

More News

President Buhari to Embark on Eight-Day Visit to Saudi Arabia, Perform Umrah

On Tuesday morning, President Muhammadu Buhari will begin an eight-day state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to perform...

Senator-Elect Yar’Adua Commits to Delivering Change for Katsina Central District

Senator-elect Abdul’aziz Yar’Adua of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Katsina Central Senatorial District has vowed to deliver on his campaign promises to the...

Police Arrest Suspect in Brutal Killing of Pregnant Girlfriend in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested Philibus Ibrahim, who allegedly strangled his pregnant girlfriend, 22-year-old Theresa Yakubu, in Tudun Wada Local Government Area...

2023 Polls: Group warns Governor Matawalle over inciting comments, blaming Nigerian military

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER), a Civil Society Organisation, has accused Governor Bello Matawalle of displaying undemocratic tendencies following his...