OZ FEST
MIKEL ARTETA admits he is relying on Mesut Ozil to guide Arsenal back up the table.
But the new Gunners boss adds he is yet to discuss transfers with the board after taking charge at his former club.
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Arteta has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at the Emirates to replace Unai Emery.
And his first task is to put a halt to the dreadful run of one win in 12 matches.
Freddie Ljunberg will continue in the dug-out for tomorrow’s trip to Everton.
And Arteta will get the chance to run the rule over Arsenal’s current crop of stars.
One man in the spotlight – yet again – is German playmaker Ozil.
He has failed to score a goal or register an assist in ten games this season.
But Arteta is counting on the World Cup winner to be an important player in his new-look side.
Arteta said: “He’s a massive player for this football club.
“I want to understand how they’re feeling and what they need.
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“He’s a massive player. I worked with him and I know when he ticks what he can bring to the team.
“My job is to get the best out of him.”
Arteta will be hoping his trust is well-placed, as he is yet to receive any assurances over backing in the January transfer window.
Arteta added: “We haven’t discussed the transfer window and there are a lot of conversations to have around that.
“I am only concerned about trying to win football games right now and finding a way to improve little things to bring that confidence so they can step on that football pitch better than they have been.
“Setting targets is something I don’t want to do. The ambition of this football club is very clear.
“You have to fight for trophies and be in Europe. The rest is not good enough.
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“The first priority is to change the energy. I want to get everybody in the club with the same mindset.
“I will give every drop of blood for this club to make it better.
“I want people who deliver passion and energy. Anybody who doesn’t buy into it is not good enough for this club and culture.”
Mikel Arteta says he feels back at home as he is unveiled as new Arsenal boss
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