Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has challenged Arsenal’s newly appointed manager to get the best out of Mesut Ozil.
The Gunners appointed Unai Emery as manager this week. The Spanish tactician replaced long-term Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and has been tasked with bringing success back to the Emirates.
Redknapp believes Emery is a positive appointment by Arsenal and stated that getting the best out of Ozil will be one of his first tasks.
“Pleasantly surprised, I think it’s a good move,” Redknapp told Sky Sports News yesterday afternoon.
“It’s not going to be easy because I think they need a lot of change there, need a mindset change a lot of the players, they need a kick up the backside.
“I think it’s been too easy for too long, they’ve played under no duress whatsoever.
“The key for him is can he go in there and shake them up?
“Can he go in there and get Mesut Ozil to play like he does for Germany?
“Can he get them playing a high-tempo game that he did at Sevilla and Valencia, where I feel he did a great job?
“I think he’s a good appointment for them.”
Ozil missed the final weeks of the Premier League season due to a back injury he picked up following Arsenal’s Europa League exit to Atletico Madrid.
The 29-year-old has however been included in Joachim Low’s Germany national team squad which will travel to Russia for the World Cup this summer.
Ozil has registered 14 assists and scored five goals in 35 appearances for Arsenal this season.
