Mesut Özil labored for 89 minutes and added an assist in Germany's 1-0 victory over Chile on Wednesday. The crowd, however, was far from impressed. Boos and jeers rained down from the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart, leading many to question what or who is responsible for his staggering dip in form.
According to German outfit Sport Bild, Özil himself believes a lack of preseason preparation is responsible for recent woes. "Nearly every player who is new to Premier League needs time to settle in," Özil told Sport Bild. "Here, you meet other challenges. It was clear that I would endure a difficult spell because I missed all of Arsenal's preseason preparation," he added.
"There was a time when I was not satisfied with my performances either, but I have come through this phase. I don't concern myself too much with [the criticism]."
The preseason argument would carry weight if Özil didn't have such a spectacular start to his Premier League career. In his first seven appearances for the Gunners, the German contributed three goals and four assists. Not bad for a player who missed "preseason preparation."
Now currently seven months into his Premier League tenure, Özil has been rather poor of late.
He's failed to contribute a single goal or assist in his last seven appearances for Arsenal, leading to uneasiness and tension in North London. At least, according to sources of the London Evening Standard, Özil has found comfort off the pitch with his current girlfriend Mandy Capristo. "She put his head back on his shoulders and he's back to his old, positive habits. They are very happy together, to the point that they are now looking for a house in London," the source confirmed.
Fast forward to today. Özil will have to find the perfect balance of happiness on and off the pitch if he hopes to return to form in 2014. He can ill-afford regression in his career if he hopes to help Germany lift the World Cup trophy in Brazil this summer.
What or who do you think is responsible for Özil's poor performance in 2014? Tell us @SportsWN
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