Do Arsenal players have insight into an upcoming managerial change at the Emirates? Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has given no indication that he wants to leave the Gunners, but that has not stopped the Arsenal players peppering Mesut Ozil about ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.
Ozil told German newspaper Bild am Sonntag that the news that his countryman was a reported target for Premier League clubs had created interest.
The Germany international, who played in his side’s 7-0 demolition of Gibraltar on Saturday, said in quotes reported by The Guardian:
“He is a big talking point over there, in the papers and also among the players.
“A few of my colleagues have asked me about how Klopp works. I haven’t had him as my manager, but his record speaks for itself.
“He is a big personality and I am impressed by how relaxed, yet professional, he can be.”
Klopp did a great job building Dortmund into one of the best sides in Germany and Europe, despite having a fraction of the budget of his main rivals. That sort of experience fits right in line with the philosophy of the Arsenal board, which is not interested in competing off the pitch with the likes of Chelsea, Man City and Man United for players.
Ozil, who arrived at Arsenal from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, also said international colleagues Mats Hummels and Benedikt Howedes should consider a move to the Premier League.
Borussia Dortmund defender Hummels has been linked with a move to Manchester United, while Howedes, another defender yet to decide his future, is reported to have interested Arsenal.
“You are challenged all the time, as a player as well as physically. Mats and Benedikt have the qualities to make a mark at a big club here — if they want to — and that is obviously up to the individual to decide,” Ozil said.
“I would recommend any player to come to England. The Premier League is the best league in the world. Here there are not only two teams fighting for the title but three or four, and every team can beat any other team.”
