Mikel Arteta says axing Ozil and Sokratis from the Arsenal squad was a tough decision but the club must keep both players motivated regardless.
Mikel Arteta has had his say on leaving Ozil and Sokratis out of the Arsenal squad.
Both players were left out of the Gunners’ Europa League squad for the group stages. Reports claim they would suffer the same fate in the Premier League as well.
Ozil is yet to feature for Arsenal since March and could now be left on the sidelines until January at least. Sokratis is yet to feature for the Gunners this season as well.
Speaking about the decision to axe both players, Mikel Arteta says it was a tough decision but one that had to be taken by the club. He also added that the club need to keep both players motivated regarded of their lack of game-time.
“It is then down to us too to find ways to motivate those players,” said the Spaniard as quoted by Goal.
“I don’t think age is a big concern.
“When you are young and you have to accept a decision like that it is really tough because you want to see your future building and evolving and it is a big stone in your way.
“But it is about how you react every time to disappointments and try to look at the overall picture and try to make the right decisions.”
Arteta added: “I wanted to tell them face to face before releasing the squad.
“I explained the reason why and it was really difficult for me to tell them that, but this is the restriction and rules and they have to respect that decision and try to train the best possible way, help the team they can in that moment and see what happens in December.”
Ozil turned down a bumper offer from Al-Nasr and is reportedly happy to see off the length of his current contract.
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