Arsene Wenger has leapt to the defence of Mesut Ozil after he was criticised by Paul Scholes, insisting he is a hard worker and that the former Manchester United midfielder would have loved playing with the German.
Arsenal’s record signing was described as “going through the motions” by Scholes, suggesting the World Cup winner lacked the motivation to win a league title.
But Wenger has backed Ozil, insisting his languid style disguises how hard he works, and believes the former England international would be full of praise had he played in the same side as the former Real Madrid playmaker.
"It is not fair," said Wenger when asked about the remarks at his pre-match press conference ahead of Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with United at Old Trafford.
"A player like Paul Scholes would have loved to play with Mesut Ozil."
The Frenchman continued: "He has the quality and he works a lot harder than his style of play shows.
"We are in a job where you have to prove a point, he knows that. He works much harder that his style shows."
Wenger takes his side to Old Trafford on Monday night looking for a first win away to United since 2006, but he is desperate to end that hoodoo in their bid to retain the FA Cup.
"I don't believe too much in history," added the Frenchman. "At the moment we are doing very well away from home so it's down to our effort.
"We are confident. We go to Manchester United to qualify and give absolutely everything with hard work and team effort.
"We are the holders of the FA Cup and we want to keep it. The cup is about giving it all on the day and we'll do that on Monday."
Wenger also confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will start against the Red Devils provided he can shake off illness in time, while January signing Gabriel is sidelined for three weeks and Nacho Monreal faces a late fitness test.
Arsenal’s record signing was described as “going through the motions” by Scholes, suggesting the World Cup winner lacked the motivation to win a league title.
But Wenger has backed Ozil, insisting his languid style disguises how hard he works, and believes the former England international would be full of praise had he played in the same side as the former Real Madrid playmaker.
"It is not fair," said Wenger when asked about the remarks at his pre-match press conference ahead of Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with United at Old Trafford.
"A player like Paul Scholes would have loved to play with Mesut Ozil."
The Frenchman continued: "He has the quality and he works a lot harder than his style of play shows.
"We are in a job where you have to prove a point, he knows that. He works much harder that his style shows."
Wenger takes his side to Old Trafford on Monday night looking for a first win away to United since 2006, but he is desperate to end that hoodoo in their bid to retain the FA Cup.
"I don't believe too much in history," added the Frenchman. "At the moment we are doing very well away from home so it's down to our effort.
"We are confident. We go to Manchester United to qualify and give absolutely everything with hard work and team effort.
"We are the holders of the FA Cup and we want to keep it. The cup is about giving it all on the day and we'll do that on Monday."
Wenger also confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will start against the Red Devils provided he can shake off illness in time, while January signing Gabriel is sidelined for three weeks and Nacho Monreal faces a late fitness test.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Revisiting the forensic audit EC will increase credibility of future elections – Omane Boamah
5 minutes -
Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network urges governments to increase investment in agriculture
8 hours -
AU and partners urge youth to get involved in efforts to transform continent’s food systems
8 hours -
Fire kills 3-year-old at Asawase-Dagomba Line in Ashanti Region
9 hours -
Paskal A.B. Rois: How Mahama inspires me
9 hours -
Complete abandoned projects in Akatsi North District – Chiefs to Mahama
9 hours -
Painter and sculptor B. Acheampong turning his passion for art into profitable venture
10 hours -
Presidential lodge, RM residency in Ashanti region left to rot away
10 hours -
Herty Corgie highlights the essence of gratefulness in ‘My Gratitude’
12 hours -
ANNOUNCEMENT: Joy FM temporarily goes off air January 11
12 hours -
Yango honored with two titles at the Technovation Africa Awards 2024
12 hours -
Aowin Traditional Council declares war on illegal mining with spiritual intervention
12 hours -
Leadership must ensure equity for all citizens, regardless of faith – Asiedu Nketiah
13 hours -
Prof. Alex Manu appointed Executive Director at Centre for Social Justice
13 hours -
Imminent changes within some key security agencies, state institutions, and its implications
13 hours