How Ozil benefits from international retirement

Mesut Ozil has experienced his first international break over the past two weeks following his decision not to play for the German national team - so how has he found it?

Unai Emery was asked about it in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Newcastle - and this is what our head coach said:

• Emery’s press conference: every single word
• ‘Nacho is very important, he needs a new contract’
• Our head coach on the international break, Aubameyang and Lacazette

on how Ozil will benefit from retiring from international football…

First the players have the habits to play in the international break, in important matches, defending their identity and when one player is finishing 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 and also working the ties and also together to improve things. Mesut, I look at him with the focus totally here.

on whether he missed international duty this break…

The first time, maybe, he could feel different but every day with us in the work, I look at him and he looks well and happy, working with our demands every day.

on his relationship with Ozil…

[We get on] very well. Here for me it isn’t for a lot of the time speaking about what people are telling us. 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 this week in the newspapers in the match against Manchester City I say 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.