Fenerbahce midfielder Mesut Ozil has been left out of the squad indefinitely after having an argument with interim manager Ismail Kartal. The player has been criticised for a lack of fitness and physical competency on the pitch.
He struggled to keep up with the intensity of the game against Konyaspor. And as a result, he has to be taken off at half time. There are fears that his injury history could play a part in his recent lack of fitness, with his lower back being one of the main problems.
Mesut Ozil suspended from Fenerbahce squad
‘Our Football A Team players Mesut Ozil and Ozan Tufan were excluded from the squad as per the decision taken. It is announced to the public,’ a statement read.
Fenerbahce president Ali Koc, at the end of 2021, criticised Ozil for not being focused and being unable to deliver on the pitch for the club.
‘Since the start of this season, Mesut Ozil has been compared to Robin van Persie,’ Koc told Fenerbahce TV via talkSPORT.
‘Ozil wants to play more. From now on, he needs to focus on his game and keep his commercial interests out of it. He needs to think about contributing to Fenerbahce.
‘Our coach also needs to try to figure out how to get the most out of Ozil. There is not a problem, despite what the media says. Mesut is unhappy because he does not play regularly.’
The former Germany international has made 37 appearances since joining the Turkish club from Arsenal. And so far, things have not gone according to plan for the player. If these frustrations continue, his time at Fenerbahce seems exceedingly limited.
