Arsenal midfielder Mesut Özil could miss out on a trip to represent Germany at the World Cup in Brazil after German coach Joachim Loew said: “the clock is ticking”
The German trainer has given notice to several of his players amid a growing concern that they are not up to the task including Arsenals club record signing Mesut Özil.
Loew said: “We need the best players currently available at the World Cup, and not theoretically the best.
“I’ve told the players: The clock is ticking. And only ones who hear it will have a fighting chance.
“This is an appeal to all and a wakeup call to many to work on their training, their routine, and their professionalism as now is the optimal time [to work on those things] before the tournament.”
Özil has not only lost his form of late but also his confidence after missing a penalty in the Champions League first-leg match with Bayern Munich.
German World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus has already said that Özil should be dropped in favour of Bayern Munich’s Toni Kroos who was the star of the match at the Emirates last month.
Despite the fact Özil has been a regular in the German team for the past four-years Matthaus thinks that there are other player more worthy of a place in the team rather than the Arsenal playmaker saying: “If Özil is at his best, he can help, but the recent performances have raised doubts. If I compare him to those in Bayern’s midfield, I think I’d rather have someone like Toni Kroos in the side than Özil.”
Loew has said that none of his players should rely on past glory if they want to be a part of the squad for Brazil telling Kicker magazine: “On paper, we have seen a top team, but the reality is at the moment a bit different.
“Several players were injured for months, while others have to struggle with a lack of rhythm and its form”
