German FA general manager Oliver Bierhoff has hit back at the media onslaught on Mesut Ozil.

The Arsenal playmaker has been singled out by the media and former Germany international’s including Mario Basler, Stefan Effenberg and Lothar Matthaus.

Speaking to German reporters Bierhoff stated: “I’m loath to go into individual players but it’s something we have to take in our stride.

“It is only natural we are criticized after a defeat that’s the way things are.

“But we shouldn’t get worked up about one person’s opinion.

“Much of the criticism is justified but it doesn’t just affect Ozil, it affects others. I’m all for judging players toughly. But when it gets unfair, it’s unfair. That’s the word I’d use.”

See More: Right-wing German party demand Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan ‘should be dropped’

Bierhoff went on to say that it is unfair to pin the blame Sunday’s defeat on Ozil.

“I wouldn’t pin this criticism on just Ozil and Khedira.

“There were several players who underperformed. It was more than just those two.”

Germany suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Mexico last weekend and could be eliminated from the competition if they lose to Sweden this weekend.

Ozil has netted 23 goals in 91 international appearances for Germany.